If Corruption Fugitives Flee Abroad and Interpol Can’t Catch Them, Just Fire Them
JAKARTA-JAYA NEWS COM – “Until now, fugitives fleeing from Indonesia have been seen as the safest route for corruptors sought by the Republic of Indonesia. This shouldn’t be the case, considering that no country will protect corruptors,” said Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal, an international law expert, during a press conference at the headquarters of the Merdeka Opposition Party in Cijantung, East Jakarta, Wednesday (24/12/2025). He added, “This is especially true for a major country like the USA, which is also fighting against corruption.”
Data on the track records of corruptors should have been provided to many of Indonesia’s friendly countries so they could work together to apprehend corruptors from Indonesia who are taking refuge in other countries.
Indonesia must not be defeated by a handful of parties who make it difficult to apprehend corruptors.
If Indonesia is harmed by policies protecting corruptors in other countries, a firm stance must be taken to close Indonesian embassies in other countries.
The Wanaartha case, which has rocked the insurance industry since 2019, remains unresolved. Evelina F. Pietruschka, who remains a fugitive, has been a focus of law enforcement efforts.
It would certainly be a significant consideration if the President of the Republic of Indonesia directly requested the US President to arrest corruptors hiding in the US.
The specific amount of losses directly related to her is not detailed in this search result. She was involved in a scandal that resulted in significant state losses, leading the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to revoke Wanaartha Life’s license and impose a bill of Rp 12.78 trillion. However, Evelina herself is often cited as a fugitive in the case.
Vast amounts of state funds have been taken and stored in other countries by corruptors in the past due to the weakness of Indonesia’s anti-corruption efforts.
This is despite the fact that cooperation between the US and Indonesia already exists, with both the FBI and the US police, and is officially documented in the digital news trail. This cooperation also exists within ASEAN countries. Is it just a useless piece of paper? Therefore, Interpol cannot arrest fugitives in corruption cases?
Involved Agencies:
In addition to the Indonesian National Police and the FBI, the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) also collaborates closely with the FBI and the US OPDAT to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, including through workshops on money laundering methods.
International Framework:
This effort is supported by Indonesia’s ratification of international conventions such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which provides a framework for international cooperation in the recovery of corrupt assets and extradition.
Money can buy many things, and this seems to be a problem for many law enforcement officials. Once corruptors have fled the country, they cannot be apprehended.
It is truly shameful that the state spends so much money on anti-corruption efforts, yet remains weak in the face of corruptors who have fled abroad.**
Editorial Team
Source:
Prof. Dr. Sutan Nasomal, SH, MH, International Law Expert, President of the Merdeka Opposition Party, General of the Company, Caretaker of the ASS SAQWA PLUS Islamic Boarding School
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