Enter Nusantara, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) West Java, together with the People’s Coalition to Clean Cirebon (Karbon), took action in front of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building, South Jakarta, Thursday (28/11/2024). This action demanded that the KPK thoroughly investigate the corruption case of PLTU II in Cirebon.
This action is a series of previous actions related to Japan Bank International Corporation as the largest investor in the construction of PLTU II Cirebon to withdraw its funding from Indonesia. In addition, Hyundai General Manager (GM) Herry is also suspected of being the giver of money in the Cirebon PLTU II bribery case to former Cirebon Regent Sunjaya Purwadisastra, but until now Herry Jung has not been followed up by the KPK on Herry Jung’s suspect status.
PLTU II Cirebon was built in 2017. This PLTU has a capacity of 1,000 MW, which is an expansion of PLTU 1, which has previously been officially operating since 2012. This corruption case is related to the construction permit of PLTU II Cirebon and the amendment to the 2011-2031 RTRW, which violates Perda No. 17 of 2011 because the PLTU is only permitted in Astanajapura District. After the issuance of the fatwa and extension of the location permit in March 2017, Herry Jung gave Rp 50 million as “thank you money” to witnesses at DPMPTSP.
On October 24, 2018, the KPK arrested Sunjaya Purwadisastra in an OTT, finding Rp 116 million in cash and evidence of Rp 6.8 billion in transfers. The case was also investigated in South Korea, where the AGO searched the offices of Hyundai Engineering & Construction in 2024 to secure documents and data related to the alleged bribery.
Hyundai General Manager (GM) Herry was also named as a suspect. Herry Jung allegedly gave a bribe to the 2014-2028 Cirebon Regent, Sunjaya, of Rp. 6.8 billion related to the licensing of PLTU II in Cirebon Regency with an initial promise of Rp. 10 billion. This transaction was carried out under the pretext of a fictitious Work Order (SPK) with PT Milades Indah Mandiri (MIM). It is as if there is a consulting service worth Rp. 10 billion. This figure was the result of negotiations previously requested by Sunjaya for Rp. 20 billion.
This action demanded the KPK to investigate all bribers involved, including all public officials involved, not only the Regent but also other government officials, such as sub-district parties and private parties. In addition, this action demanded the KPK to investigate the determination of the suspect status of Hyundai General Manager (GM) Herry Jung by the KPK on November 15, 2019.
The protesters also supported the KPK to exercise its authority after receiving news that the South Korean prosecutor’s office searched Hyundai’s office for allegedly giving bribes to the Indonesian government.
The construction of the Steam Power Plant (PLTU) is not only problematic in its construction, but the construction of the PLTU also causes ecological damage to the surrounding community. Lured to bring prosperity to the surrounding community, in fact, the construction of this PLTU has brought disaster to the local community. This power plant uses coal for its fuel; they build coal mines in natural areas. This causes environmental degradation in the form of loss of biodiversity and pollution of soil, water, and air around the PLTU.
Since 2007, when the construction began, people’s lives began to be disrupted by polluted air, water, and soil quality, which had an impact on the socio-economy. The surrounding community depends on the agricultural sector, fishermen, and salt ponds; they fully depend on nature. With the construction of the PLTU, the livelihood and cultural roots of the community were damaged without any responsibility.
Not only has it had an impact on the economy, but the construction of this PLTU is also very influential on public health; many people are affected by diseases due to the contamination of the water they breathe and the air they breathe caused by waste from the PLTU. The water and air quality around the PLTU have been polluted since this development; even the water around the PLTU is black, and the air there is already at the low pH stage, which has caused itching for the local community, and many local people are affected by ISPA due to very poor air quality.
Coal-fired power plants are one of the main causes of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that accelerate the climate crisis. The impacts threaten not only the environment but also human health with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the construction of PLTU often has a negative impact on local communities, especially those living around the project site, with land evictions and environmental pollution taking away their livelihoods.
Enter Nusantara will continue to support the struggle of the Cirebon community in facing the many challenges caused by the construction of PLTU. In addition, Enter Nusantara continues to strive and support all elements to switch to renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, as a solution to reduce dependence on PLTU. Apart from being environmentally friendly, this energy is also increasingly affordable and creates new economic opportunities.
We cannot continue to rely on dirty energy that damages the earth and our health. Join Enter Nusantara’s movement and programs in fighting for clean energy and be part of the change towards a greener and more sustainable future.
