JAKARTA, Legal Literacy – The Jakarta Central Corruption Crime Court sentenced Riva Siahaan to 9 years in prison , formerPresident Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga , in the case ofcorruption in the management of crude oil and refinery products that occurred within PT Pertamina Subholding and Cooperation Contract Contractors (KKKS) throughout 2018–2023 . The verdict was read onThursday, February 26, 2026 , and the judge also imposed afine of IDR 1 billion subsidiary to 190 days imprisonment if not paid on time. The panel of judges, chaired by

Fajar Kusuma Aji stated that Riva was proven legally and convincingly guilty of committing corruption together with two other defendants in a case that has become a national public spotlight because it involved a number of former executive officials of Pertamina Patra Niaga. In addition to Riva, the panel also imposed 9 years in prison and a fine of IDR 1 billion Maya Kusmaya to 9 years in prison , former Director of Central and Commercial Marketing, as well as10 years in prison and a fine of IDR 1 billion Edward Corne to 9 years in prison , former VP of Trading Operations.Judge's Considerations and Implications of the Decision

the management of crude oil and refinery products pengelolaan minyak mentah dan produk kilang, including in the process of importing refinery products that should not have been necessary and setting up contracts that were detrimental to the state. Some analysts call this verdict a significant milestone in handling corruption practices in the national energy sector.

The judge in the verdict also noted that no replacement money was charged to Riva because, based on the trial facts, there was no evidence that the defendant directly received money from corruption or enjoyed personal gain from this case. This was explained by the panel during the reading of the verdict in court.

This verdict is lighter than the prosecutor's demands previously which requested 14 years in prison and payment of fines and replacement money up to billions of rupiah, including demands for replacement money worth tens of trillions of rupiah submitted by the prosecutor at the beginning of the trial.

Reactions, Protests, and Statements from the Defendant

After the verdict was read, Riva Siahaan conveyed an emotional response in the courtroom. He stated his belief that his actions during his tenure were designed “for the good of the nation” and mentioned that there were still many trial facts that he felt had not been considered. This statement invited diverse reactions from the public and legal practitioners.

Before the verdict, in several trial sessions, the defendant was seen crying while receiving support from relatives, and the panel briefly postponed the reading of the verdict to allow time for prayer for the judge and trial participants.

Background of the Major Case “Pertamina Corruption Case”

The case that ensnared Riva Siahaan is part of a major corruption scandal that shook Pertamina and its subsidiaries since 2025, and is widely known as the 2025 Pertamina corruption case. Around seven to eight individuals, including several Pertamina unit executives and private contractors, were named as suspects for allegedly violating crude oil management and import regulations, resulting in potential state losses of trillions of rupiah.

This case has created strong pressure from the public and parliament to improve governance in the energy sector and strengthen oversight mechanisms for state-owned enterprises.

At the end of the trial, the panel of judges also reminded that the defendant and the public prosecutor have the right to use legal appeal efforts within the time period stipulated by law if they are not satisfied with the decision of the panel of judges.

This news is the result of synthesizing information from a number of credible sources to present a verified, complete, and balanced report to readers.