Extradition hearing starts for Indonesian accused of corruption

It is Singapore's first such proceeding under treaty with Indonesia that took effect in 2024

- Christine Tan

A court hearing is taking place here that will determine whether an Indonesian businessman in a high-profile corruption case will be extradited to his home country.

The hearing on June 23 regarding Paulus Tannos, also known as Tjhin Thian Po, is Singapore's first such proceeding under its extradition treaty with Indonesia.

Tannos, 70, has been implicated in a major graft scandal involving the Indonesian government's issuing of electronic ID cards - the e-KTP project - allegedly causing state losses of about 2.3 trillion rupiah (S$187 million).

The Indonesian fugitive, who is believed to have been living in Singapore since 2017, faces one charge of corruption under Indonesian law that is punishable with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The crux of the hearing is to determine whether there is enough evidence to support the corruption charge Tannos is facing, so he can be sent back to Indonesia.

In extradition hearings, the state does not have to prove the fugitive's guilt or secure a conviction. It only has to show that there is enough evidence for the fugitive to face trial if his acts had taken place in Singapore.

Delivering the state's opening statement, Deputy Solicitor-General (DSG) Vincent Leow said the state would rely on evidence submitted by the Indonesian authorities.