Indonesia nears breakthrough in long pursuit of fugitive Paulus Tannos

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A Singapore court is expected to rule in August on the extradition of fugitive corruption suspect Paulus Tannos, marking a potentially decisive stage in Indonesia’s long-running efforts to bring him home for trial.

Indonesian Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas said on Friday that the upcoming hearing follows a major legal breakthrough on May 29, when the High Court of Singapore rejected Tannos’ appeal against extradition proceedings.

Tannos is a key suspect in Indonesia’s electronic identity card (e-KTP) corruption case, a scandal that allegedly caused state losses of around US$145 million (Rp2.3 trillion).

The August committal hearing will hear final arguments from Tannos’ legal team and Singapore’s Attorney-General’s Chambers, which is acting on behalf of the Indonesian government.

The court will then determine whether to issue a formal committal order for his extradition to Indonesia.

“In the near future, if I am not mistaken in August, a decision will be made in the Singapore Court,” Supratman told reporters in Jakarta.

He added that the ministry’s Directorate of Central Authority and International Law continues to coordinate closely with the Corruption Eradication Commission and the Indonesian National Police throughout the legal process.

Tannos had remained a fugitive for years after leaving Indonesia, allegedly changing his identity and obtaining a new passport to evade authorities.

He was placed on Indonesia’s most-wanted list in October 2021 before eventually being detained by Singaporean authorities.

For Indonesian anti-corruption investigators, securing his return is considered crucial to advancing a case that has been delayed by his prolonged absence.

“The presence of the suspect in Indonesia is vital to ensure that the judicial process can run effectively, as well as to provide legal certainty for all parties,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said.

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Translator: Agatha Olivia Victoria, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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