Anindya Bakrie Warns Kadin Members: Extortion Will Lead to Immediate Suspension
Main Takeaways
|
JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Novyan Bakrie has called on all Kadin officials and members across the country to strictly adhere to the organization’s rules. Those found guilty of extortion, intimidation, or similar misconduct will be immediately suspended, he said.
“We remind all Kadin officials and members at the provincial, city, and regency levels to comply with organizational rules. From now on, anyone proven to have engaged in intimidation or extortion will be immediately deactivated,” Anindya said in an official statement on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The warning follows the naming of three suspects by Banten Police on Friday, May 16, including Cilegon Kadin Chairman Muhammad Salim, Kadin Vice Chairman for Industry Ismatullah Ali, and local fisheries leader Rufaji Zahuri. The three are accused of intimidating and extorting PT Chandra Asri Alkali (CAA), a subsidiary of PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk, over involvement in a Rp 15 trillion ($925 million) strategic project in Banten.
Dispute Over Local Participation
The dispute centers on demands from the suspects—local businessmen in Cilegon—to be included as subcontractors or suppliers in the construction of CAA’s chlor alkali–ethylene dichloride (CA-EDC) plant, a designated National Strategic Project (Proyek Strategis Nasional/PSN).
According to police, the incident occurred during a visit to the office of Chinese contractor PT China Chengda Engineering Co Ltd (CCE), where the suspects allegedly engaged in behavior interpreted as coercive. This followed earlier verbal agreements in an April 22 meeting between Kadin Cilegon and CCE, in which CCE had promised to share work item details—yet construction had reportedly already progressed by the time the suspects followed up on-site.
Keeping the Business Climate Secure
Anindya stressed that the Cilegon case must be viewed in full context—especially in terms of maintaining Indonesia’s investment climate and ensuring inclusive economic development.
“If we only see this in a partial manner, similar problems may arise in the future,” he said, calling for stronger integration of local businesses in national projects under the spirit of “Indonesia Incorporated,” a slogan championed by President Prabowo Subianto.
Kadin, he said, firmly rejects all forms of racketeering and criminal coercion that disrupt investment. “Kadin condemns acts of thuggery committed under any banner,” Anindya asserted.
He affirmed Kadin’s full support for legal action taken by the Banten Police but reminded all parties of the presumption of innocence. The accused Cilegon Kadin officials have been suspended, and Kadin Indonesia will appoint an interim chair to oversee local operations until the legal process is complete.
Urging Impartial Policing
Beyond enforcing internal discipline, Anindya urged the police and military to avoid creating the perception that certain mass organizations are untouchable.
“There should be no tolerance and no perception that any group is being shielded by the security forces,” he said.
At the same time, Anindya stressed the need to address the underlying causes of such incidents. While Kadin firmly opposes any form of violence or intimidation, he said the grievances that fuel these actions must also be acknowledged by businesses and government authorities.
“This is not an attempt to justify wrongdoing,” he clarified, “but a call to look at the broader picture.”