24-1-2025 (JAKARTA) Indonesian anti-corruption authorities are working to secure the return of Paulus Tannos, a key suspect in the high-profile electronic identity card (e-KTP) corruption case, following his arrest in Singapore.
The International Relations Division of the Indonesian National Police confirmed they are liaising with Singaporean authorities regarding Tannos’s repatriation. Brigadier Untung Widyatmoko of Indonesia’s NCB Interpol Division told reporters, “We are facilitating cooperation between Indonesian and Singaporean law enforcement agencies.”
Tannos, the former President Director of PT Sandipala Arthaputra, has been on Indonesia’s most wanted list since October 2019. He allegedly fled the country after being implicated in a massive corruption scheme involving the national e-KTP project, with his company suspected of illegally profiting approximately Rp145.85 billion ($8.9 million).
Corruption Eradication Committee (KPK) Chairman Setyo Budiyanto expressed optimism about the extradition process, despite reports that Tannos had changed his citizenship. Speaking at the Ministry of Law in South Jakarta, Budiyanto said he anticipated a smooth transfer of custody.
KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh detailed that a multi-agency effort involving the National Police, Attorney General’s Office, and Ministry of Law is underway to complete the necessary extradition requirements. “We are working to bring the suspect back to Indonesia for trial as swiftly as possible,” Fitroh stated.
According to KPK investigators, Tannos allegedly participated in collusive meetings with other suspects, including Andi Agustinus and Johanes Marliem, before the e-KTP project tender. These meetings reportedly involved discussions about securing the project for the PNRI consortium and arranging kickbacks for members of Parliament and Home Affairs Ministry officials.
The case gained significant public attention when it was revealed during the trial of former House Speaker Setya Novanto, where evidence emerged of PT Sandipala Arthaputra’s substantial financial gains from the project. Investigators discovered that Tannos, who later assumed the alias Tjhin Thian Po, had been responsible for the manufacturing, personalisation, and distribution of e-KTP forms through his company’s involvement in the project consortium.
