The Son Also Rises and Falls: Inside Indonesia's $17 Billion Oil Dynasty Scandal
A father flees, his son gets 15 years, and a nation asks: is justice really served when a trial is unfair?
On February 26, 2026, the Jakarta Corruption Court sentenced Muhamad Kerry Adrianto Riza to 15 years in prison. His crime: playing a key role in a corruption scheme at Pertamina, Indonesia's state-owned energy giant, that caused estimated state losses of up to Rp 285 trillion (approximately $17 billion) between 2018 and 2023.
Kerry Adrianto is the son of Mohammad Riza Chalid, a fugitive oil tycoon who has been wanted by Interpol since 2025. Prosecutors have described Riza Chalid as a mastermind behind the scheme. He remains at large.
The Verdict
The court found Kerry Adrianto "legally and convincingly" guilty of jointly committing corruption. He was also ordered to pay a fine of Rp 1 billion and restitution of Rp 2.9 trillion. Two associates, M. Irfan Kurnia and Nasri, received similar sentences.
The Attorney General's Office has named at least 18 suspects in total, including former Pertamina officials. The scheme involved illegal fuel blending, where low-grade industrial fuel was sold as premium Pertamax.
Questions About the Trial
A panel of legal experts from the University of Indonesia (UI) and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) reviewed the trial. According to a report by Media Indonesia on April 12, 2026, the panel found "indications of an unfair trial." Their concerns included limited time for the defense to prepare, inconsistencies in how evidence was handled, and what they called flawed calculations of state losses.
The legal experts concluded that the trial failed to reflect principles of due process, as reported by Tribunnews on April 12, 2026.
The Fugitive Father
Riza Chalid has been a fugitive since 2025. Interpol has issued a red notice for his arrest. However, as of April 14, 2026, he has not been apprehended. The Attorney General's Office has not publicly disclosed his likely location.
A survey reported by multiple Indonesian media outlets found that 87.3% of Indonesians believe Riza Chalid is guilty. The same survey indicated strong public demand for his arrest.
What Happens Next
The case remains ongoing. The Attorney General's Office has stated that investigations continue. Pertamina has announced internal reforms, including tightened fuel quality testing. But as long as Riza Chalid remains free and questions about the trial's fairness persist, public trust in the legal process remains uncertain.