InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — The Attorney General's Office (AGO) is once again conducting investigations in the palm oil industry sector, this time through the investigation of an alleged corruption case related to the export of palm oil mill effluent (POME) or liquid waste from palm oil processing. The case, allegedly occurring in 2022, has now escalated to the investigation stage, with several witnesses questioned and important documents secured from various locations.
The investigators from the Bundar Building conducted a raid at the Customs and Excise office on Wednesday (October 22), which is said to be part of efforts to find evidence and strengthen initial findings.
“Yes, the investigators have taken several legal steps, including raiding the Customs and Excise office to find relevant data and information,” said AGO Spokesperson Anang Supriatna, in Jakarta, Friday (October 24).
Anang explained that the investigation is still ongoing, so the AGO cannot yet disclose details of the parties involved or the amount of state losses in the case.
“Because it is still in the investigation stage, we cannot be too open. This step is taken to ensure evidence can be obtained completely and legally,” he added.
According to Anang, investigators have examined several witnesses and secured several important documents from the raid results. However, he emphasized that all steps taken are still initial in nature to deepen indications of irregularities in POME export activities.
Focus on Alleged Irregularities in POME Exports
This case highlights the practice of exporting POME—liquid waste from palm oil processing—which should have strict regulations because it contains industrial waste elements. Preliminary allegations suggest manipulation of permits or misuse of export facilities that could harm state finances.
Nevertheless, the AGO has not revealed further whether the alleged corruption involves business actors in the palm oil sector, officials from certain institutions, or both.
“This is an ongoing investigation process. Investigators have taken legal steps, including raids in several places, to find the data and information needed for further law enforcement,” said Anang.
Customs and Excise Admits Raid Related to POME Case
Meanwhile, the Director General of Customs and Excise, Djaka Budi Utama, confirmed the raid at the Customs and Excise headquarters by the AGO team. He emphasized that his party is cooperative and will provide full support for the ongoing legal process.
“Yes, it's true, the raid is related to the alleged POME issue. Basically, they are looking for data in the context of the investigation, we are open to helping,” said Djaka in the Ministry of Finance environment, as reported by Detik, Friday (October 24).
This examination is part of a larger series of law enforcement by the AGO in the palm oil industry sector, which previously ensnared several large companies in the Crude Palm Oil (CPO) export corruption case in 2022.
The AGO's move to expand investigations into palm oil waste aspects underscores the government's seriousness in overseeing the overall governance of the Indonesian palm oil industry—from production, distribution, to exports. (T2)
