Sunday, 10 May 2026

North Sumatra Prosecutors Detain Belawan Port Chief Over PNBP Corruption

NATIONAL EDITOR - Thursday, 26 March 2026 21:00

PHOTO: Doc. Public Relations, North Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office

SUSPECT IN ALLEGED PORT FEE CORRUPTION: The Special Crimes Investigation Unit of the North Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office has named the Head of Belawan KSOP as a suspect in the alleged corruption case involving port pilotage fees at Belawan Port.

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office has named RVL, head of the Belawan Port Office (KSOP) for the period October 2023–October 2024, as a suspect in the corruption of Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) related to port and navigation services at Belawan Port.

Evidence Secured, Responsibilities Clarified

Rizaldi, Head of the Legal Department at the North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office, confirmed that investigators have collected at least two pieces of substantial evidence to formally charge RVL. The prosecutor emphasized that the provision of pilotage and towing services falls under the jurisdiction of the port authority.

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"If the port authority fails to provide pilotage or towing services in designated waters, it may delegate these duties to a qualified port company," Rizaldi explained.

The Special Crimes Investigation Unit of the North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office secures RVL's hands after he was named a suspect in the alleged Belawan Port pilotage fee corruption case. (PHOTO: Doc. Public Relations, North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office)

In practice, KSOP Belawan delegated these responsibilities to PT Pelindo Regional 1 Belawan.

Ships over 500 GT were required to use these services. However, according to the 2023–2024 "Surat Persetujuan Berlayar" (SPB) data, several vessels exceeding 500 GT that entered the mandatory pilotage zone were not included in the reconciliation signed by RVL and three other suspects.

"As a result, the state is alleged to have suffered billions in losses in the PNBP sector. Investigators are still calculating the total financial damage," Rizaldi added.

The Special Crimes Investigation Unit escorts RVL down from the upper floor of the North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office following his designation as a suspect in the alleged Belawan Port pilotage fee corruption case. (PHOTO: Doc. Public Relations, North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office)

Suspect Detained

Rizaldi stated that RVL is suspected of violating Article 2 paragraph 1, alternatively Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of Law No. 31 of 1999 on Corruption Eradication, amended by Law No. 20 of 2001, as well as Articles 603 and 604 in conjunction with Article 20 of Criminal Code No. 1 of 2023.

"Following his designation as a suspect, RVL has been detained at Tanjung Gusta Class IA Detention Center in Medan for the first 20 days," Rizaldi said.

The detention is based on Warrant No. PRINT-07/L.2/Fd.2/3/2026, dated March 26, 2026, signed by the North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office.

The Special Crimes Investigation Unit of the North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office escorts suspect RVL into a detention vehicle before he is taken to Tanjung Gusta Prison in Medan. (PHOTO: Doc. Public Relations, North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office)

Investigation Continues

Investigators from the North Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office will continue their probe. Rizaldi warned that if additional individuals are found involved, they will face legal action under the prevailing laws. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Darmailawati

Editor

: NATIONAL EDITOR