InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — Five subsidiaries of the Wilmar Group in Indonesia have officially deposited a guarantee fund of IDR 11.88 trillion (approximately USD 729 million) in the Supreme Court (MA) as part of the cassation process, following an appeal filed by the Indonesian Attorney General's Office against the acquittal decision from the Central Jakarta District Court in the alleged corruption case concerning cooking oil exports in 2021.
The guarantee fund deposit was announced during a press conference held by the Attorney General's Office on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, which highlighted the latest developments in the legal case involving five Wilmar entities: PT Multimas Nabati Asahan, PT Multi Nabati Sulawesi, PT Sinar Alam Permai, PT Wilmar Bioenergi Indonesia, and PT Wilmar Nabati Indonesia.
The case began in early April 2024 when the Attorney General's Office accused the five companies of causing state financial losses, obtaining unlawful profits, and disrupting the stability of the domestic business sector amid the cooking oil shortage that occurred between July and December 2021. The Attorney General claimed the state losses amounted to IDR 12.3 trillion (approximately USD 755 million).
In a previous legal process, the Central Jakarta District Court ruled to acquit the defendants; however, the Attorney General's Office was dissatisfied and pursued legal action through cassation to the Supreme Court. As part of this process, the defendants were required to deposit a guarantee fund as a demonstration of good faith and confidence in the Indonesian judicial system.
“The guarantee fund of IDR 11.88 trillion reflects part of the alleged state losses and unlawful profits claimed. We have deposited the funds as requested,” the official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, stated.
Wilmar emphasized that all actions taken by its five subsidiaries in the cooking oil export during that period were in accordance with the applicable regulations at the time. The company also stressed that this step is not an admission of guilt but a commitment to comply with the legal process in Indonesia.
“If the Supreme Court upholds the Central Jakarta District Court's ruling, the guarantee fund will be returned to Wilmar,” the statement continued. “Conversely, the funds may be partially or fully confiscated if the Supreme Court decides otherwise.”
This case has garnered public attention, given its role in the cooking oil crisis that once plagued Indonesia in 2021, causing public unrest. At that time, the government imposed export restrictions to secure domestic supplies, but allegations of distribution manipulation and profits amid the crisis sparked controversy in the food industry.
Wilmar remains cooperative and optimistic as it faces the upcoming legal proceedings. “We maintain the principle that all our activities are conducted in good faith and without intent to commit corruption,” the company asserted.
This case now enters a new chapter at the Supreme Court level. The ruling to be issued will not only impact Wilmar's financial fate but also serve as a benchmark for legal justice for business actors amid crises and state intervention policies. (T2)
