InfoSAWIT, CENTRAL SULAWESI – The investigation into PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI) has intensified as Central Sulawesi’s Prosecutor's Office (Kejati Sulteng) questioned Daniel Paolo Gultom, the Head of Finance Division for Astra Agro Lestari’s Holding, over alleged fund transfers from PT Rimbunan Alam Sentosa (RAS) to Astra Agro Lestari. The examination lasted from 9:20 AM to 5:30 PM WITA on Thursday (Nov 7).
Daniel’s questioning was initially scheduled for Monday (Nov 4) but was postponed due to logistical reasons. Arief Catur Irawan, Astra Agro Lestari's Director of Operations, was also summoned by Kejati Sulteng for questioning on Wednesday (Nov 6), but he did not appear.
Kejati Sulteng is investigating several Astra Agro subsidiaries suspected of financial irregularities, specifically PT SJA, PT ANA, and PT RAS. Key officials from these subsidiaries, including Oka Arimbawa, the manager of PT SJA who also serves roles in PT ANA and PT RAS, as well as Doni Yoga Pradana, Director of PT SJA, are also under scrutiny.
Laode Sofyan, SH, MH, Head of Legal Information for Kejati Sulteng, confirmed that Daniel Paolo had complied with the summons. “Yes, it’s true; he is currently undergoing questioning,” Laode stated via a brief message Quote InfoSAWIT from deadline-news.com.
An independent public auditor involved in the investigation revealed potential state losses of approximately IDR 79 billion, with multiple heavy machinery items also seized as evidence.
This situation has drawn attention from the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), which has requested clarification from Astra Agro Lestari regarding reports of senior management’s absence at Kejati Sulteng’s summons. The IDX demanded explanations from AALI about the legal case's potential impacts on financial, operational, and business sustainability. The stock exchange also requested details on corrective and preventive measures the company plans to implement.
Responding to the IDX’s request, Astra Agro Lestari’s Corporate Secretary, Tingning Sukowignjo, clarified the reasons for management’s initial absence. According to Katadata, the summons involved ongoing legal proceedings against Rimbunan Alam Sentosa (RAS), an AALI subsidiary, due to a land dispute with PT Perkebunan Nusantara XIV (PTPN XIV). AALI requested a postponement of the summons as it prepares the required documents and information.
This case underscores the financial and operational challenges Astra Agro Lestari may face due to governance issues, prompting investor concerns and potential regulatory consequences. (T2)
