Overview

The Indonesian public was recently surprised by news of a corruption conviction that involved three former Board of Directors (“BoD”) members of PT Angkutan Sungai, Danau, dan Penyeberangan Indonesia Ferry (“ASDP”). Those involved were the company’s former President Director, Ira Puspadewi, as well as Muhammad Yusuf Hadi and Harry Muhammad Adhi Caksono, who had previously served as BoD members at ASDP. The case quickly grew to national prominence, not only due to the fact that it involved a major state-owned enterprise (Badan Usaha Milik Negara – “BUMN”) but also because many observers saw parallels with an earlier sugar import controversy that involved former Minister of Trade, Tom Lembong.[1]

In essence, the charges that were levelled against ASDP’s former directors stem from business cooperation with and ultimately the acquisition of PT Jembatan Nusantara (“JN......