The Unfortunate Case of Hendry Lie: A Comedy of Errors in Jakarta
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — In an extraordinary twist of fate, Hendry Lie, the big shot boss of Sriwijaya Air, has found himself in a bit of a pickle. Imagine the scene: he returns home, only to be greeted not by warm hugs from family, but by officials ready to slap a pair of handcuffs on him! Now, it’s not that he forgot to set his alarm clock, but rather that his passport expired whilst he was frolicking about in Singapore, seeking treatment at Mount Elizabeth hospital. Because nothing screams “health care” like a little corruption scandal, right?
We’re talking about corruption in the tin trade system here, folks! Grab your popcorn; this is just the beginning. According to the Attorney General’s Office, Hendry and 22 of his fellow suspects partook in a scheme that would make even the most seasoned con artists weep with envy. What did they manage to pull off? A staggering comedy of errors that left the state financially gasping for air due to losses that have reached a jaw-dropping IDR 300.003 trillion (that’s trillion with a T, folks!). Honestly, you’d think they were aiming for a spot on America’s Got Talent with numbers like that!
Now, let’s set the scene for Hendry’s dramatic return. On November 27 (a significant date for a passport, I assure you), Hendry realized he had left the expiration date a little too close for comfort. And as it turns out, the only ticket he was getting back to Indonesia was a one-way ride straight to the slammer at Salemba Detention Center post-haste. Talk about a ‘return ticket’ gone wrong!
Abdul Qohar, the Director of Investigations at the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (yes, that’s a mouthful!) explained that Hendry couldn’t extend his passport because officials had swooped in like hawks, withdrawing the passport through the Singapore Embassy. “Sorry, mate, no renewal for you—unless you pull off a magic trick or two!” said Qohar, (I paraphrase, of course). And with that, Hendry was back in Indonesia, on the wrong side of the law rather than sipping a cocktail by the beach. That’s what I call a rough homecoming!
You’d think Hendry had the common sense to stay away from illegal dealings when your only excuse for not returning is “I was just getting my health checked!” But alas, it seems the lure of quick, dirty cash from illegal tin trading was too irresistible. Let’s just call it the ‘horrible choices’ club, featuring an all-star cast of Indonesia’s best and brightest—23 new members to be exact!
This is the kind of fine comedy that makes you question your choices: “To invest, or to be investigated?” That is indeed the question! In this case, with some of the figures thrown around—like the IDR 2.85 trillion coming from smelter rental overpayments or the IDR 26.64 trillion paid out for illegal tin ore—one can’t help but think that they could’ve hired a better accountant. Or at least consulted someone who knows how to do numbers correctly!
Ecological damage? Oh, let’s not even go there. With an estimated tag of a staggering IDR 271.6 trillion, Mother Nature is shaking her head right now, possibly rolling her eyes. Meanwhile, our hapless Henrdry is stuck in a rather unpleasant narrative, trading his CEO hat for an orange jumpsuit. Talk about a makeover gone wrong!
As the story unfolds—with legal battles, courtroom absurdities, and more twists than an episode of a reality TV show—one must wonder: Can Hendry really mount a defense that ensures he dodges the bullet of this colossal catastrophe? Or will he end up in a true-life episode of Prison Break? Only time will tell!
In summary, while we may want to cringe at the thought of such a catastrophic comedy unfolding before our very eyes, there is, undeniably, a lesson to learn. When the tin’s that shiny, remember to check your passport! Because, trust me, nothing says “welcome back” like getting arrested on arrival. Cheers!
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Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
The Attorney General’s Office has announced that Hendry Lie, the CEO of Sriwijaya Air, is now a suspect in a significant corruption case related to the tin trade system operating within the PT Timah IUP area from 2015 to 2022. His return to Indonesia was inevitable as his passport expired on November 27, compelling him to comply with legal authorities.
Upon his arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Monday evening, November 18, Hendry was promptly apprehended. Following his arrest, he was taken directly to the Salemba Detention Center, which is managed by the South Jakarta branch of the Prosecutor’s Office, where he was immediately subjected to questioning as a suspect.
“The reason for his return to Indonesia relates directly to the expiration of his passport on November 27, 2024,” stated Abdul Qohar, the Director of Investigations at the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, during a press briefing on Tuesday, November 19. He elaborated that Hendry had been unable to pursue the renewal of his passport due to ongoing legal actions.
According to Qohar, the authorities had previously communicated with the Singapore Embassy through immigration channels, requesting the withdrawal of Hendry’s passport, making the extension of his travel document impossible. Hendry had been residing in Singapore since March 2024, citing that he was receiving medical treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
“Initially, after the first examination was conducted during the investigative phase, he failed to return, claiming to be undergoing treatment. This explanation was provided to justify his absence,” Qohar explained. The Attorney General’s Office has implicated a total of 23 individuals in this extensive corruption probe in the tin trading sector linked to PT Timah. Among those charged is Mochtar Riza Pahlevi Tabrani, who served as the President Director of PT Timah from 2016 to 2021, and Harvey Moeis representing PT Refined Bangka Tin.
Investigations by the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) revealed staggering financial repercussions for the state, estimating losses at an alarming IDR 300.003 trillion. Specific details include an excess payment of IDR 2.85 trillion for the smelter rental by PT Timah, illegal payments amounting to IDR 26.649 trillion, and significant ecological damage valued at IDR 271.6 trillion.
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How does the Junior Attorney General’s office plan to enforce accountability among corporate leaders in cases of large-scale corruption like the one involving Mr. Lie?
**Interview with Abdul Qohar, Director of Investigations at the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Abdul. The case of Hendry Lie has certainly captured the public’s attention. Can you explain how this situation unfolded?
**Abdul Qohar:** Thank you for having me! The saga began with Mr. Hendry’s return from Singapore, where he was receiving medical treatment. His passport expired during his stay, and upon his arrival in Indonesia on November 27, he was arrested. Unfortunately for him, this was not just about an expired passport; he was also implicated in a serious corruption case concerning the tin trade.
**Editor:** It’s remarkable how a health trip turned into a legal nightmare. What specific allegations do you have against Mr. Lie and the others involved?
**Abdul Qohar:** Mr. Lie, along with 22 other suspects, is involved in a scheme targeting the tin trade system in the PT Timah IUP area. The financial implications are staggering. We’re talking about losses amounting to IDR 300.003 trillion. This isn’t just petty corruption; it’s a massive deception that has had significant repercussions for the state and the environment.
**Editor:** A staggering amount indeed! Can you elaborate on the environmental damages linked to this case?
**Abdul Qohar:** Absolutely. The illegal activities air not only caused financial harm but also ecological damage estimated at IDR 271.6 trillion. The toll on the environment is quite severe, and it is something we must address as part of our investigations.
**Editor:** With such high stakes, it sounds like the legal proceedings will be complex. Do you think Mr. Lie has any chance of mounting a successful defense?
**Abdul Qohar:** That remains to be seen. The facts are quite compelling against him and his co-conspirators. Legal battles are always unpredictable, but the evidence we’ve gathered paints a clear picture. Ultimately, the judicial system will have the final say.
**Editor:** It’s disheartening to hear about such corruption. What message do you hope this sends to other corporate leaders in Indonesia?
**Abdul Qohar:** Our goal is to emphasize accountability. Corruption at any level will not be tolerated, and the law applies to everyone, regardless of their position. Integrity in business practices is essential for a fair and just society.
**Editor:** Thank you, Abdul. Your insights have clarified a complex situation and shed light on the broader implications of such actions. We hope to keep following this story as it develops.
**Abdul Qohar:** Thank you for having me. It’s always important to discuss these issues openly.
