BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s National Electricity Volunteers (Re-LUN) has alleged a US$50 million bribery scheme linked to PT PLN (Persero)’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, a Rp5 trillion smart metering initiative. The organization claims the alleged scheme implicates PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo and several senior officials.

Speaking to reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday (June 25), Re-LUN National Coordinator Teuku Yudhistira said the alleged bribe was paid by one of the project’s contractors.

“Based on the data we have collected, the funds were allegedly provided by an SGCC representative identified by the initials CJ, also known as AL. The transfer was reportedly facilitated through JS, the owner of PT FH, a business partner of Icon Plus. JS is currently serving a prison sentence in the Bakti Kominfo corruption case,” Yudhistira said.

He further alleged that in late 2024, Darmawan Prasodjo pressured PLN’s Finance Director and Distribution Director to authorize payments for the project even though, according to Re-LUN, the system was not yet fully operational.

Yudhistira claimed PLN later sought an assessment from the late NH of LAPI ITB to justify the payment, adding that all members of PLN’s board of directors were allegedly aware of the decision.

According to Re-LUN’s investigation, the AMI project—valued at Rp5 trillion—is among the largest single procurement programs in PLN’s history. The organization alleges the project was implemented through a 10-year lease-to-own scheme, requiring PLN to pay Rp25,251 per customer each month over a period of 120 months.

Re-LUN estimates that the actual value of the equipment and services was only Rp1.8 trillion to Rp2 trillion, alleging that the remaining amount represents a markup exceeding Rp3 trillion that would ultimately be borne by consumers through electricity tariffs.

The organization also claims the project’s financing came at the expense of PLN’s investment and maintenance budget. According to Re-LUN, maintenance spending on power plants and transmission networks has been reduced by approximately 35 percent since the project began in 2022, allegedly contributing to inadequate infrastructure maintenance and widespread electricity outages.

Re-LUN further alleged irregularities in the procurement process, claiming that technical specifications were deliberately designed to favor a specific supplier while competing companies meeting international standards were eliminated on administrative grounds.

The organization also alleged that a 5 percent commission—equivalent to approximately US$50 million—was required from the winning bidder before the contract was signed.

According to Re-LUN, the alleged payments were made in two stages: US$20 million in 2022 following contract signing, and the remaining US$30 million between 2023 and 2024, allegedly disguised as consulting and licensing fees through shell companies in Singapore.

In addition, Re-LUN claimed that the smart meters installed under the project were of substandard quality despite being procured at prices significantly above international market rates. The organization cited reports of devices malfunctioning, producing inaccurate readings, or failing completely while repair costs continued to be charged to PLN.

Separately, Re-LUN also alleged attempts to suppress media coverage of the case. Several journalists reportedly claimed they had been contacted by individuals offering money in exchange for removing news reports concerning the alleged US$50 million bribery scheme.

One online journalist said he was offered Rp1 million to take down an article, while another media executive claimed he was offered Rp2 million for the same purpose. Both said they rejected the offers.

As of publication, PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo had not publicly responded to the allegations. Requests for comment sent via WhatsApp to PLN Deputy President Director Yusuf Didi Setiarto, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications Gregorius Adi Trianto, and former PLN Finance Director Sinthya Roesly had not received a response.

The allegations reported in this article originate from Re-LUN and have not been tested or proven in court. PLN and the individuals named are entitled to provide clarification or rebuttal in accordance with applicable laws and journalistic ethics.