Kerry Adrianto Riza Sentenced to 15 Years, Fined in Pertamina Corruption Case

Jakarta, Indonesia – Muhamad Kerry Adrianto Riza, the beneficial owner of PT Orbit Terminal Merak (PT OTM) and PT Jenggala Maritim Nusantara (PT JMN), has received a 15-year prison sentence and a substantial fine in connection with a corruption case involving the management of crude oil and refined products at PT Pertamina Persero. The verdict was delivered on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Jakarta Corruption Court.

Additional Fines and Penalties

In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Kerry Adrianto Riza to pay compensation fines totaling IDR 2,905,420,300,854 (approximately USD $18.8 million as of February 27, 2026), or face an additional five years in prison. He was also fined IDR 1 billion (approximately USD $64,500) with a subsidiary penalty of 190 days imprisonment.

Co-Conspirators and Previous Sentences

Kerry was found guilty of unlawful acts committed alongside Dimas Werhaspati, Commissioner of PT Navigator Khatulistiwa and PT Jenggala Maritim, and Gading Ramadan Joedo, Commissioner of PT Jenggala Maritim and President Director of PT Merak Terminal OrbitGading. Dimas and Gading were previously sentenced to 13 years in prison each, along with a fine of IDR 1 billion and a subsidiary penalty of 190 days imprisonment.

Details of the Corruption Scheme

The court determined that the rental of PT OTM’s fuel terminal was unlawful, as the terminal was not initially identified as an urgent need for PT Pertamina. However, the project was included in Pertamina’s investment plan in 2014 due to the influence of Kerry’s father, Muhammad Riza Chalid. The procurement of three vessels linked to Kerry was deemed illegal due to non-compliance with established auction rules and regulations.

Vessel Procurement and Financial Impact

The purchase of the VLGC, Suezmax Ridgebury, and MRGC Nashwan vessels occurred after Kerry learned of Pertamina’s subsidiary’s need for vessel rentals. Prior to the ships becoming assets of PT JMN, discussions regarding cooperation with Pertamina had already begun. Simultaneously, Kerry secured credit from Mandiri bank to finance the purchase of the vessels, which were subsequently contracted to Pertamina.

Financial Losses to the State

The panel of judges concluded that Kerry, Dimas, and Gading enriched themselves at the expense of the state. The rental of PT OTM’s fuel terminal resulted in state financial losses of IDR 2.9 trillion. The leasing of three vessels through PT JMN assets caused additional losses of USD 9.86 million and IDR 1.07 billion.

Legal Charges

Kerry’s actions were found to violate Article 603 in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, as well as Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001.

Source: Kompas.com