Controversy of the Police Report Against IPB Professor Bambang Hero Saharjo, What Is the Cause?

Kapanlagi.com - The corruption case involving the tin trade is once again capturing public attention! This time, the name of IPB Professor, Bambang Hero Saharjo, has come under scrutiny after being reported to the Bangka Belitung Police. This report refers to the shocking state loss calculation, reaching Rp271 trillion, which forms the basis of the charges against Harvey Moeis, the defendant in this corruption case.

However, this report is not without controversy. Many are questioning Bambang Hero's competence as an expert witness in calculating state losses. As an environmental expert, he is considered to have little relevance in assessing financial losses. The calculation method using satellite imagery is also under scrutiny, with the reporting party doubting its accuracy.

From information gathered by Kapanlagi.com, the impact of this case is not only felt in the legal realm but also shakes the economy of Bangka Belitung. Several mining companies have been forced to close, resulting in thousands of workers losing their livelihoods. This situation raises significant questions about the validity of the loss calculations that underpin the verdict against the defendant. The public is also awaiting certainty and clarity from this attention-grabbing case!

1. Background of the Tin Trading Corruption Case

The scandal of tin trading in Bangka Belitung, which took place between 2015 and 2022, has shaken Indonesia, especially after Harvey Moeis and several other parties were charged with involvement in corruption practices that harmed the state by up to Rp271 trillion—a staggering figure that makes it one of the largest cases in the history of this nation.

The calculation of losses conducted by Bambang Hero Saharjo, a Professor from the Bogor Agricultural Institute, became the main focus in the trial, where the results were used as the basis for legal demands. However, the method used to calculate these losses sparked intense debate, including sharp criticism from the defendants.

Although a verdict has been handed down, the controversy surrounding the loss figures, which are considered unrealistic, continues to unfold, with various elements of society and mining actors expressing deep dissatisfaction, indicating that this polemic is unlikely to end anytime soon.

2. Report of Bambang Hero Saharjo to the Police

In January 2025, the Bangka Belitung Islands Police received a shocking report from the defendant's legal team highlighting irregularities in the method of calculating state losses conducted by Bambang Hero Saharjo.

The complainant's legal counsel, Andi Kusuma, firmly stated that Bambang Hero did not possess the adequate competence to carry out the calculations, which were deemed not only invalid but also detrimental to the local economy.

The closure of the mines related to this case has forced many workers to lose their livelihoods. In an effort to seek justice, the complainant urged law enforcement to seriously follow up on this report in the interest of all affected parties.

3. Controversial Calculation Methods

The calculation of losses reaching a fantastic figure of Rp271 trillion utilized advanced technology in the form of satellite imagery, yet this method has faced sharp criticism for being deemed inaccurate without in-depth field analysis.

Questions have arisen regarding the validity of the data used, especially since the relied-upon satellite imagery is not a paid service. Furthermore, the lack of contributions from experts in the fields of economics and state finance further undermines the credibility of these calculations, rendering them unsuitable as a basis for legal claims.

During the trial, Bambang Hero appeared to struggle to explain the details of the loss calculations, further strengthening the assumption that these calculations could not serve as a basis for a verdict against the defendant.

4. Impact of the Case on the Economy of Bangka Belitung

The ongoing legal case in Bangka Belitung is not only shaking the justice system but also triggering a wave of economic crisis that is sweeping the region. The closure of many mining companies suspected of being involved in illegal practices has forced thousands of workers to lose their livelihoods.

This situation is further heated by protests from the local community, who consider the estimated losses of Rp271 trillion to be an extremely unrealistic figure.

In a seminar held in Pangkalpinang, participants firmly referred to that figure as "nonsensical," and called for a reevaluation of the methods used. "The impact of this calculation is not only felt by the defendants but also by the broader community," asserted one of the protest participants, expressing hope for a justice system that is more favorable to the people.

5. What is the basis for Bambang Hero Saharjo's report to the police?

This report arises from suspicions regarding inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the methods used by Bambang to calculate state losses, which has triggered public attention and raised profound questions about the transparency and reliability of the process.

6. Why do the state losses in this case amount to Rp271 trillion?

The losses incurred from illegal tin trading are not only measurable in economic terms but also encompass detrimental environmental impacts. Every ton of tin obtained illegally carries serious consequences, ranging from soil and water pollution to the loss of biodiversity, creating losses that far exceed mere figures in financial reports.

7. What are the main criticisms of this loss calculation method?

The use of satellite imagery in research is often underestimated, as it is considered less accurate without field analysis or the involvement of experts in the field.

8. What is the impact of this case on the community of Bangka Belitung?

The closure of mines related to this case has had a significant impact, forcing many workers to lose their livelihoods and shaking the local economy very significantly.

(kpl/srr)