The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has searched the office of former National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) head Letjen TNI Suharyanto as part of an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of disaster relief funds. The operation, which took place on October 14 and 15, 2026, followed a sting operation that led to the arrest of several agency officials and private sector individuals.
KPK Searches BNPB Headquarters
Acting Director of Investigations at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, confirmed that investigators swept several areas within the BNPB office, including the chambers of the former agency head and procurement offices. Authorities also targeted the workspace of GSP, identified as a procurement official. While the KPK has not yet released a detailed inventory of items seized during these two days, officials stated that further disclosures will follow as the investigation progresses. Earlier, during the ex-head of BNPB, his position was also explained to the TNI colleagues who were present, both on the 13th and 14th (October), in more detail like this,
said Taufik at the KPK Merah Putih Building on Friday, October 16, 2026. He added, For later, in the deputy, and several offices that procure goods and services, including the GSP room as PPK.
Corruption Allegations and Conflicting Interests
The investigation centers on the misuse of "Ready-to-Use Funds" (DSP), or Ready-to-Use Funds, which the government reserves for emergency disaster situations. The funds are released under specific criteria, including the declaration of emergency status, a designated state of status, risk considerations determined by the head of BNPB, or the need for international humanitarian aid. According to the KPK, Bima Setiawan—who is the brother of former BNPB head Suharyanto and served as a technical expert for the agency—has been named a suspect. Bima is charged under Article 12 letter i of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption.
The KPK alleges that Bima facilitated a conflict of interest in procurement, involving vendors affiliated with him that received contracts totaling approximately Rp 148 miliar. PT AVE’s share ownership reached 150.4 million shares (1.07%) with a share value as of October 13, 2026 of IDR 206 per share or equivalent to IDR 30.98 billion.
Taufik stated.
Evidence and Expanded Suspect List
The commission also recovered hundreds of grams of gold and discovered assets held in cryptocurrency, which the commission is currently investigating in coordination with the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The initial sting operation on October 13 involved 14 individuals, including the Secretary-General of BNPB, Rustian, though he was not charged.
In addition to Bima Setiawan, the KPK has identified four other suspects:
- Gabriel Purwaka Sigit, Head of the Sub-directorate for Aid and Emergency Management at BNPB.
- Richard Erlangga, Technical Expert to the Head of BNPB.
- Syifa Nrika Ghifarin, a private sector individual.
- Gery Prasetiawan, a private sector individual.
Engagement with the Military Police
Because Suharyanto holds active military status, the KPK has coordinated its findings with the Indonesian Military Police (Puspom TNI). Achmad Taufik Husein noted that representatives from the Puspom TNI were present during the case briefings on October 13 and 14 to ensure transparency. The KPK intends to formally notify the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces regarding the investigation’s progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the criteria for using Ready-to-Use Funds (DSP)?
The funds are reserved for use when there is an emergency disaster situation, with disbursement requiring specific triggers such as official disaster status declarations or humanitarian needs.
Was the current head of BNPB involved in the investigation?
No. President Prabowo Subianto replaced Suharyanto with Lieutenant General Kristomei Sianturi on October 15, 2026.
Why is this case considered particularly significant?
Corruption in disaster management is subject to severe legal scrutiny under Indonesian law. The 1999 Law on the Eradication of Corruption allows for the death penalty in cases involving the repeated embezzlement of funds and corruption of disaster response funds. As one public commenter noted regarding the scandal, when someone else gets caught, they are ordered to be sentenced to death…
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