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

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Former Head of the West Sumatra Regional Customs Office, Rizal, during the bribery and gratuity trial at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) in Jakarta Corruption Court. (KOMPAS.com/Fristin Intan Sulistyowati )

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.