Indonesia’s anti-graft prosecutor quits after police seize gold and cash

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office announced the resignation of Febrie Adriansyah, head prosecutor of special crimes, citing the need to preserve the integrity and objectivity of law enforcement. The decision followed coordinated police operations across Jakarta, South Tangerang, and Bogor that targeted at least 12 locations and interviewed 15 witnesses.

The raids resulted in the seizure of 74 kilograms of gold bars and approximately $20 million in cash across multiple currencies, including Indonesian rupiah, US dollars, Singapore dollars, and Saudi riyals. According to police spokesman Budi Hermanto, a substantial portion of the recovered assets were discovered in a residence in Bogor. Adriansyah denied any wrongdoing when questioned by reporters, expressing confusion about his involvement in the investigation.

The investigation centers on alleged corruption and bribery connected to recent electricity blackouts affecting parts of the country. Authorities have also linked the inquiry to major fraud cases involving state insurers Asabri and the defunct Jiwasraya, as well as suspicions that government officials collaborated with mining companies to supply substandard coal to state power facilities.

Adrianysah, 58, had served as special crimes prosecutor since 2022 and oversaw several high-profile cases. His tenure included investigations into the National Nutrition Agency, which administers President Prabowo Subianto's school meals initiative, as well as corruption allegations against various government and business figures. His departure marks a significant development in Indonesia's ongoing anticorruption efforts.