Former Customs Regional Head Explains Meaning of 'Buka Celananya' Phrase Used in PT Blueray Cargo Investigation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Head of the West Sumatra Regional Office of Customs and Excise, Rizal, explained why he used the phrase “buka celananya” (literally "open the pants") when communicating with his subordinates.

The term was used as a signal to thoroughly investigate importer companies, including PT Blueray Cargo.

“When talking to my team, my communication style has always been like that, Your Honor. So, the phrase, if there’s a need for attention, I say ‘buka celananya.’ That’s just how I speak,” Rizal said.

He made this statement during his testimony as a witness in the trial of bribery and gratuity allegations at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), with defendant Sisprian Subiaksono, at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday (18/9/2026).

Rizal emphasized that this phrase was part of his informal communication style with his subordinates.

“With my team, I’ve always had that communication style,” he affirmed.

Previously, prosecutors presented a conversation about the term “buka celananya” while examining former Head of the Customs Intelligence, Enforcement, and Investigation Sub-directorate, Sisprian Subiaksono.

The prosecutors asked about a chat exchange between Sisprian and Rizal dated July 10, 2025.

In the conversation, Rizal instructed his subordinate to intensively investigate PT Blueray Cargo.

“Then regarding this, still in your chat with Mr. Rizal dated July 9, 2025—sorry, July 10—‘Starting today I want you to delve into Blueray, which claims to be similar to Ciprio. Let’s really see if it’s the same or Tribo is similar.’ Like that, sir, was this chat?” asked the prosecutor.

“Yes,” Sisprian replied.

“Okay. Then there was a chat, ‘Go, buka celananya’?” the prosecutor continued.

“Yes,” Sisprian answered.

During the trial, public prosecutors also highlighted several communications between Rizal and his subordinates found on cellphones seized by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

They questioned why in certain messages Rizal only used the phrase “be careful,” without explicitly referring to the integrity zone, prohibitions on illegal levies (pungli), or integrity values at the Ministry of Finance.

Prosecutors also pressed Rizal about the message “be careful, coy” sent just before a sting operation (OTT).

Rizal acknowledged sending the message but denied knowing for certain that the person he referred to was the KPK.

“I don’t know if it was KPK or not. I just conveyed to ‘be careful, someone’s watching,’” Rizal said.

Bribery and Gratuity Charges Totaling Rp 78.8 Billion

Three defendants stand trial: former Head of the West Sumatra Regional Customs office Rizal; former Head of Customs Intelligence, Enforcement, and Investigation Sub-directorate Sisprian Subiaksono; and former Head of Customs Intelligence Section Orlando Hamonangan.

The trio are accused of receiving bribes totaling Rp 61,743,597,000 along with entertainment and luxury goods valued at Rp 1,846,221,515.

The total bribery amount charged reaches Rp 63,589,818,515.

Prosecutors claim these bribes were allegedly provided by Blueray Cargo Group leadership—John Field, Operational Manager of Custom Clearance at Blueray Cargo Group Dedy Kurniawan Sukolo, and Head of Import Document Team Andri.

Prosecutors detailed that Rizal allegedly received about Rp 14 billion, Sisprian approximately Rp 7 billion, and Orlando around Rp 4.05 billion plus entertainment and luxury goods valued at Rp 1.51 billion.

The payments were reportedly intended to expedite the release of Blueray Cargo Group’s imported goods in customs examinations at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.

Gratuities Totaling Rp 15.2 Billion

Aside from bribery, Rizal, Sisprian, and Orlando are also charged with accepting gratuities from various importers, cigarette businessmen, and others whose business activities involve the DJBC Enforcement and Investigation Directorate.

The gratuities amount to Rp 15,222,893,725, comprising cash payments of Rp 7,517,500,000, SGD 314,755 (equivalent to Rp 4,375,975,814 at the exchange rate of Rp 13,900), USD 182,800 (Rp 3,282,905,200 at Rp 17,960), HKD 4,700 (Rp 10,762,389 at Rp 2,290), and MYR 8,100 (Rp 35,750,322 at Rp 4,414).

Thus, the total of bribes, entertainment and luxury goods, plus gratuities allegedly received by the three defendants amounts to Rp 78,812,712,240, or about Rp 78.8 billion.

Separate Gratuity Charges for Orlando

In addition to the joint charges, Orlando Hamonangan faces separate gratuity charges related to customs affairs from several importers.

Prosecutors state that Orlando’s gratuities total Rp 8,104,511,500, comprising Rp 2,290,000,000 cash, SGD 195,000 (Rp 2,711,455,500 at Rp 13,900), and USD 172,800 (Rp 3,103,056,000 at Rp 17,960).

The three defendants are charged under Article 12 letter a of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes for receiving bribes as state officials.

As alternative charges, prosecutors also charge them under Article 606 of the Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 18 of the Corruption Eradication Law, Article 20 letter c, and Article 126 paragraph (1) of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.

Furthermore, they are charged under Article 12B in conjunction with Article 18 of the Corruption Eradication Law, Article 20 letter c, and Article 127 paragraph (1) of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code on receiving gratuities.