BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA – The National Electricity Volunteers (Re-LUN) has alleged a corruption scheme worth US$50 million behind PT PLN (Persero)’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, claiming the funds were allegedly directed to individuals linked to PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo and his associates.

The allegation was revealed by Re-LUN National Coordinator Teuku Yudhistira in Jakarta on Thursday (18/6/2026). The group claimed its findings were based on an investigation involving internal sources, documents, and an analysis of the AMI procurement process.

According to Re-LUN, the AMI project, valued at around Rp5 trillion, was initially promoted as a major digital transformation program to modernize Indonesia’s electricity system. The project aimed to replace conventional electricity meters with smart meters capable of recording consumption data in real time and transmitting information automatically to PLN’s control center.

However, Re-LUN claimed the project contained serious irregularities, including alleged tender manipulation, inflated costs, and suspected illegal financial flows.

“AMI was supposed to improve efficiency and electricity reliability, but our investigation found indications that the project became a source of financial losses due to alleged markups and irregular procurement practices,” Yudhistira said.

Re-LUN claimed that a suspected payment of 5 percent of the total contract value, equivalent to around US$50 million or Rp780 billion, was allegedly provided by the project winner to certain parties.

The group alleged the funds were distributed in stages, with approximately US$20 million allegedly transferred in 2022 after the contract was signed, followed by another US$30 million during 2023–2024 as the installation process progressed.

The organization claimed the funds were disguised through consulting fees and licensing payments involving intermediary companies.

Re-LUN named several PLN officials and consultants as allegedly involved, but the allegations have not been legally proven. No court ruling or official investigation has confirmed the claims.

Re-LUN questioned the financial structure of the AMI project, particularly the 10-year lease-to-own scheme.

Under the scheme, PLN reportedly paid around Rp25,251 per customer per month for 120 months.

The group estimated that the actual value of the equipment and services was only around Rp1.8 trillion to Rp2 trillion, while the total project value reached approximately Rp5 trillion.

Re-LUN claimed the difference represented potential excessive payments of more than Rp3 trillion, which could eventually burden PLN and electricity consumers.

The organization also accused the procurement process of potentially being designed to favor specific suppliers.

According to Re-LUN, technical requirements in the tender documents allegedly limited competition and resulted in other qualified companies being eliminated for administrative reasons.

The group further claimed that some AMI devices installed in the field experienced technical problems, including system errors, inaccurate readings, and operational failures.

Re-LUN linked the AMI project with declining electricity reliability in Java and Bali, claiming that investment priorities shifted away from maintenance of power plants and transmission networks.

The organization cited its own analysis showing that the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) increased from around 600 minutes per year in 2021 to approximately 1,450 minutes per year during 2022–2025.

According to Re-LUN, the increase coincided with the implementation of the AMI project.

“PLN may have achieved digital transformation targets on paper, but electricity reliability remains the main concern for the public,” Yudhistira said.

Re-LUN urged the Attorney General’s Office, the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), and the Indonesian Parliament to investigate the AMI procurement process and examine the alleged US$50 million fund flow.

The group also criticized PLN’s leadership, claiming that the company prioritized digital projects while maintenance of critical electricity infrastructure was neglected.

As of publication, PT PLN (Persero) and Darmawan Prasodjo had not issued an official response regarding the allegations.

The accusations remain claims made by Re-LUN and require further investigation and legal verification.