Prabowo Summons Yusril to the Palace, Discussing Luhut's Proposed Definition of Corruption?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto summoned Minister of Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday (26/10/2026).

Yusril indicated that he was likely called to discuss the definition of corruption that was previously proposed by the Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

"There’s nothing specific. This may relate to the issue of defining corruption that is currently being discussed by DEN. This afternoon I also have a meeting with DEN to address this issue, and I was called by the President possibly in relation to this matter," said Yusril at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday (26/10/2026).

According to Yusril, many actions that refer to corruption and harm the state do not fall within the definition of corruption.

He cited underinvoicing or falsifying export reports as an example.

"For example, underinvoicing often mentioned by the President. Someone might mine as they please, exporting, let’s say, 20,000 tons but only reporting 10,000. They engage in massive smuggling, tax fraud, and other activities that may not currently be categorized as an act of corruption," Yusril explained.

The constitutional law professor also mentioned crimes such as money laundering and abuse of authority that actually fall under the category of corruption.

Therefore, Yusril believes there is a need to expand the definition of corruption in Indonesia.

"So, this needs to be broadened; it shouldn’t just be limited to the state loss element as corrected by Pak Luhut, because as we know from the UN Convention Against Corruption, it does not specifically discuss merely bribery or corruption," he stated.

Yusril mentioned that in this meeting, he wanted to hear Prabowo’s direction regarding the definition of corruption before further discussions with DEN.

"I want to hear what the President's guidance and opinions are before I talk in DEN later," he added.

Luhut's Proposal on the Definition of Corruption

Previously, the Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, proposed to President Prabowo Subianto that state losses should not be part of the definition of corruption.

This perspective is based on DEN's review referring to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which Indonesia ratified through Law No. 7 of 2006.

“Yes, we refer to the UN Charter regarding the definition of corruption, where the definition in the UN Charter ratified by Indonesia 20 years ago refers to bribery. So it doesn’t address state losses," said Luhut at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

"The President also agreed with the review presented by the DEN team on the definition of corruption. This is important to ensure that the handling of corruption in Indonesia meets international standards," he remarked.