Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Nader Thaher (69), a suspect in a corruption case involving non-performing loans at Bank Mandiri Riau, has finally been arrested after 19 years on the run.
A joint team from the Attorney General’s Office, the Riau High Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati Riau), and the Pekanbaru District Prosecutor’s Office (Kejari Pekanbaru) succeeded in arresting Nader Thaher.
According to Kompas, Nader apprehended at the Gateway Ciracas Apartment in Bandung, West Java, on Thursday (February 13, 2025) at approximately 4:50 p.m. local time. Nader was subsequently flown to Pekanbaru, arriving at Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport on Friday (February 14, 2025) at around 10:45 a.m.
Upon arrival, authorities escorted him directly to the Kejati Riau office on Jenderal Sudirman Street. As he entered the press conference room, Nader refused to comment. Moments later, he experienced breathing difficulties and was given respiratory assistance.
Fleeing Justice
Riau Chief Prosecutor Akmal Abbas stated that Nader, the former President Director of PT Siak Zamrud Pusaka, had been a fugitive since the Supreme Court (MA) issued its verdict on July 24, 2006. “He has been a fugitive since the Supreme Court’s ruling on July 24, 2006,” Akmal told.
Nader fled on April 3, 2006, after being conditionally released from Pekanbaru Prison while his case was under appeal. However, he never returned to serve his sentence after the Supreme Court extended his imprisonment. Authorities conducted multiple efforts to capture him, including searches abroad. Reports suggest he moved frequently and even fled to Singapore.
New Identity to Evade Law Enforcement
To avoid capture, Nader allegedly changed his identity. Akmal revealed that in 2014, he obtained a new ID card in Cianjur before securing an electronic ID in Bandung Regency under the name “H Toni.”
His new identity listed him as a self-employed businessman and a married resident of Bandung. Tracking him proved difficult as he left minimal traces. Authorities suspect he may have lived overseas before returning to Indonesia.
“Whether he actually left the country or not remains unclear. Recently, we received information confirming he was in Indonesia,” Akmal said. Upon his capture, authorities noted that his physical appearance had changed significantly. “He was once young and robust; now, he is aged,” Akmal remarked.
Bank Mandiri Loans Corruption Case
Nader’s case stems from a 2002 loan fraud involving Bank Mandiri’s investment in four drilling rigs and related equipment ordered by PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia. The fraud caused state losses of approximately Rp35.9 billion (around $2.3 million).
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According to Supreme Court ruling No. 1142 K/Pid/2006, dated July 24, 2006, Nader was sentenced to 14 years in prison and fined Rp250 million ($16,000), with a subsidiary penalty of four months’ imprisonment.
He was also ordered to repay Rp35.97 billion ($2.3 million). If he failed to pay within a month, authorities would seize and auction his assets. If he lacked sufficient assets, his sentence would be extended by three years.
Arrested After 19 Years in Hiding
Now, after nearly two decades on the run, Nader has been captured and will face justice. “This arrest demonstrates the Prosecutor’s Office’s commitment to pursuing fugitives,” Akmal said.
“There is no safe haven for criminals. Sooner or later, we will find them and execute the court’s ruling,” he added emphasizing that the law would be enforced without exception.
(Raidi/Agung)
