Trafigura subsidiary’s employee named among suspects in Pertamina corruption case

An employee at an Indonesian subsidiary of commodities group Trafigura was named as a suspect among nine people in a corruption case involving state-owned oil giant PT Pertamina, according to several news reports. 

On 10 July, Indonesian Attorney General’s Office (AGO) reportedly named the new suspects including the former Business Development Manager at PT Trafigura, who was only identified as “MH”, in an investigation into alleged mismanagement and corruption between 2018 and 2023 that the AGO has said resulted in losses of Rp285 trillion (USD 17.6 billion) to the state. This is a jump from the previously reported USD 12 billion, which has since been revised by the AGO. 

According to Reuters, Trafigura said the employee has been cooperating with the authorities. 

“We understand that the employee has been recently named a suspect in an investigation involving PT Pertamina,” a Trafigura spokesperson said in an email.

The company added it is providing appropriate legal representation to the employee and is awaiting further details about the specific allegations.

Manifold Times previously reported Singapore-based trading companies were reached out by Indonesian authorities to seek their cooperation in the corruption investigation.

According to several people who received or saw the invitation, who wished to remain anonymous, the oil traders received notices earlier this month, requesting them to assist the office of Indonesia’s Attorney General by providing answers on overall governance and past transactions. 

Related: Indonesia seeks cooperation of Singapore traders in USD 12 billion Pertamina probe

Photo credit: Pertamina
Published: 16 July 2025