Suharyanto’s younger brother named in BNPB emergency funds corruption case

The younger brother of Indonesia’s disaster management agency chief has been named among five suspects in an alleged corruption case involving emergency funds intended for disaster response, prompting renewed scrutiny of the handling of public money at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

Bima Setyawan, who is also a member of the expert staff supporting BNPB chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto, was named as a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on 14 October.

KPK chairman Setyo Budiyanto confirmed Bima’s family relationship with Suharyanto but said investigators were focusing on the alleged actions of the suspects rather than their identities or backgrounds.

The five suspects were detained on Wednesday following a KPK sting operation at BNPB on 13 October. Investigators are examining suspected irregularities in the procurement of goods and services financed by the agency’s disaster emergency funds.

The case has attracted attention because it involves a close relative of the head of the institution responsible for coordinating Indonesia’s disaster response. BNPB has said it respects the legal process and will not interfere with the KPK investigation.

KPK confirms Suharyanto’s brother is a suspect

Setyo confirmed Bima’s status as a suspect while speaking to journalists in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on 14 October.

“Yes, we have been informed of that,” he said when asked whether Bima was Suharyanto’s younger brother.

Setyo said investigators had determined the suspects’ legal status based on the alleged conduct under investigation, rather than their personal relationships.

“We do not look at who the person is. The person being held accountable is the subject who committed, or is suspected of committing, an unlawful act,” he said.

The four other suspects are Gabriel Purwaka Sigit, a BNPB subdirector responsible for assistance and emergency management who also serves as a commitment-making official; Richard Erlangga, an expert staff member to the BNPB chief; and two private-sector individuals, Gery Prasetiawan and Syifa Nrika Ghifarian.

The KPK had earlier arrested 14 people during its operation, including BNPB secretary-general Rustian and several private-sector individuals. Rustian was questioned but was not named as a suspect in this case.

The commission said its investigation concerned suspected corruption in the procurement of goods and services financed through BNPB’s emergency funds.

Investigators examine alleged conflicts of interest and bribery

Setyo said the investigation involved two suspected elements: conflicts of interest in official duties and alleged bribery.

The KPK is examining whether individuals involved in the procurement process used their positions or relationships to influence the selection of suppliers and the distribution or use of public funds.

Setyo said investigators suspected that some individuals had coordinated the allocation and use of budgets in ways that enabled them to obtain personal benefits.

He also said Richard was suspected of using his position as an expert staff member to approach potential vendors or service providers. Investigators are examining Bima’s alleged involvement in processes that did not comply with the applicable rules.

These remain allegations, and the suspects have not been convicted.

The KPK has said the alleged practices may have been occurring since around 2022, placing the investigation within a period of several years rather than a single emergency response.

The commission has also indicated that the investigation could be expanded if investigators uncover additional evidence or the involvement of other parties.

Why the emergency funds matter

BNPB is Indonesia’s national agency for disaster management. Its responsibilities include coordinating emergency responses to natural disasters, supporting affected communities and facilitating the provision of assistance and resources.

The Dana Siap Pakai (DSP), or emergency-ready fund, is intended to finance urgent needs associated with disasters. According to Setyo, it can be used for immediate requirements when a disaster occurs.

Such spending can involve goods and services needed for emergency operations. Procurement may involve private companies supplying equipment, materials or other resources for disaster response.

Because these funds are intended to address urgent situations, their management is subject to public procurement rules and financial oversight. The KPK has not yet publicly detailed every contract or disaster-related activity under investigation in the current case.

On 13 October, KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said the sting operation concerned procurement within BNPB, including projects financed through disaster emergency funds. He said further details about the specific goods, services and disaster response involved would be provided as the investigation progressed.

The commission’s investigation is therefore focused on alleged irregularities in the use of emergency funds, rather than on a publicly identified disaster or a particular relief operation at this stage.

BNPB says it will not interfere with the investigation

BNPB has said it respects the KPK’s authority and will cooperate with the investigation.

Acting head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, said the agency respected the legal process and upheld the presumption of innocence.

He said BNPB would provide the data and access to information required by investigators in accordance with applicable laws.

The agency’s leadership has also instructed its inspectorate to conduct an internal review and secure relevant documents as part of its oversight responsibilities.

BNPB said its personnel would continue their disaster management and humanitarian duties while the legal process proceeded. It also urged the public and media to wait for official findings rather than speculate about the case.

Family connection draws scrutiny

Bima’s relationship with Suharyanto has become a prominent aspect of the case, given the latter’s position as head of the national disaster management agency.

The confirmation has prompted questions about the potential for conflicts of interest and the safeguards governing the work of expert staff and private-sector suppliers dealing with BNPB. The KPK has said it is investigating suspected conflicts of interest as well as alleged bribery.

However, the fact that Bima is related to Suharyanto does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing by the BNPB chief. The KPK’s public statements have identified Bima as a suspect but have not established that Suharyanto was involved in the alleged offences.

The agency’s response has been to pledge cooperation with investigators, conduct an internal review and maintain its operational duties.

The investigation will determine whether the allegations can be substantiated and whether other individuals or transactions should be examined. All five suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence while the legal process continues.