Blueray Cargo Offices Quiet as Bribery Scandal Deepens
The offices of Blueray Cargo in West Jakarta were subdued on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following a search by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) the previous week. The container shipping service, officially known as Torion Express Indonesia, has been at the center of a growing bribery scandal involving Indonesian customs officials.
“Only the office boy is coming in,” said Andi, a security guard at the Mangga Besar VIII Street location. The company occupies nine shophouses along the street, but activity has significantly decreased since the KPK investigation began. Employees reportedly removed the company’s nameplate from the buildings, and a local resident estimated that only around 30 percent of staff are currently reporting for work.
The KPK’s investigation surfaced after a sting operation on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Torion Express commissioner and majority shareholder John Field – identified as the owner of Blueray Cargo – was named as a suspect and initially evaded capture before surrendering to authorities. According to his lawyer, Dinalara Butar Butar, “He moved hotels twice.”
Two other Blueray employees, Andri and Dedy Kurniawan, have also been implicated in the case, accused of bribing three officials at the Directorate General of Customs at the Finance Ministry. The KPK alleges that Blueray made monthly payments of Rp7 billion (approximately $414,700 USD) to these officials to avoid inspections of imported goods.
The alleged bribery scheme reportedly took place between December 2025 and February 2026, with the intent of manipulating the “red lane” system – a process designed to flag potentially illicit shipments for thorough examination. According to KPK officials, the payments were intended to ensure that goods shipped by Blueray were not subject to inspection.
The KPK has detained five suspects in connection with the case, while Field remained a fugitive for a short period. The anti-graft body indicated that the investigation is ongoing and may expand to include additional individuals. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the alleged “monthly jatah” – or allowance – to customs officials reached approximately Rp7 billion.
The scandal highlights concerns about corruption within Indonesia’s customs system and the potential for illicit goods to enter the country unchecked. The KPK’s investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the bribery network and hold those responsible accountable. The agency has not yet detailed the specific types of counterfeit or undeclared goods that were allegedly facilitated by the scheme, but the investigation is expected to shed light on the scale of the operation and its impact on the Indonesian economy.
The case is particularly sensitive given the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal imports and protect domestic industries. The Directorate General of Customs and Excise has faced increasing pressure to improve its enforcement capabilities and address allegations of corruption within its ranks.
