Former Papua Governor Lukas Enembe Dies from Illness while Serving Prison Sentence

Muhammad Aulia
December 26, 2023 | 2:36 pm
SHARE
Former Papua Governor Lukas Enembe, left, talks with his attorney during his corruption trial at the Central Jakarta District Court, Aug. 28, 2023. (Antara Photo/Wahyu Putro)
Former Papua Governor Lukas Enembe, left, talks with his attorney during his corruption trial at the Central Jakarta District Court, Aug. 28, 2023. (Antara Photo/Wahyu Putro)

Jakarta. Former Governor of Papua, Lukas Enembe, passed away on Tuesday after being treated for kidney failure at Gatot Subroto Army Hospital.

At the time of his death, he was serving an eight-year prison sentence for a graft conviction.

His attorney, Petrus Bala Pattyona, said Lukas had been diagnosed with acute kidney failure since the start of his legal proceedings and he died at around 10:45 a.m. at 56 years old.

"He was first diagnosed with kidney failure amid the court hearings in October," Petrus said.

Advertisement

The body will be flown to Lukas' hometown in Papua for the funeral, the lawyer added. 

Enembe was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Jan. 10, 2023, as he was trying to flee the country. Since his arrest, Lukas Enembe had been in poor health, leading to his hospitalization. Lukas claimed to have suffered a stroke and kidney failure. After his condition improved, Lukas was detained at the KPK Detention Center. 

The Jakarta Anti-Corruption Court found former Papua Governor Lukas Enembe guilty of corruption and sentenced him to eight years in prison on Oct. 19, 2023. In addition to the prison term, he was ordered to return Rp 19.7 billion ($1.2 million) in embezzled state funds and fined Rp 500 million. 

During his tenure, Lukas has been accused of accepting Rp 47 billion in bribes from private companies that secured contracts with the Papua government. He also faces a separate indictment related to money laundering allegations after the KPK seized a substantial sum of banknotes worth Rp 82 billion in various denominations from him.

The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) revealed that Lukas made payments totaling 55 million Singapore dollars (US$39 million) to overseas casinos since 2017. This information came to light after analyzing the governor's financial records at the KPK's request. At one point, Lukas made a single casino payment of 5 million Singapore dollars, according to the PPATK.

KPK was also investigating allegations of the purchase of a private jet by Lukas Enembe. The KPK suspected that the purchase of the jet was related to the alleged receipt of gratuities and money laundering offenses.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News May 21, 2025 | 12:32 pm

“They Target Our Families”: Ex-KPK Official Details Terror Tactics Used by the Powerful

Yudi Purnomo warns of rising threats against KPK officers, urging protection as Prabowo acknowledges dangers in anti-graft fight.
News May 20, 2025 | 7:20 pm

Eight Named in Bribery Case Over Foreign Work Permits at Manpower Ministry

Under Indonesian law, foreign nationals working in the country are required to obtain work permits issued by the Manpower Ministry.
News May 10, 2025 | 11:25 am

KPK Investigator Says Ex-Chief Firli Foiled Arrest of Hasto and Fugitive Harun

KPK witness says ex-chairman Firli Bahuri leaked 2020 sting, derailing arrests of PDIP's Hasto Kristiyanto and fugitive Harun Masiku.
News May 10, 2025 | 10:39 am

KPK Defends Slow Progress in Bank Indonesia CSR Graft Probe

KPK cites complexity in Bank Indonesia CSR graft probe after public criticism, says suspects will be named once evidence is sufficient.
News May 8, 2025 | 10:05 am

KPK Asserts Authority Over SOE Corruption Despite New Law

KPK affirms it can still probe SOE directors for graft, saying losses in BUMNs count as state losses under anti-corruption laws.
News May 6, 2025 | 4:03 pm

Indonesia, South Korea Launch Joint Probe into Cirebon Power Plant Bribery Scandal

KPK and South Korean prosecutors probe bribery tied to the Cirebon-2 power plant, with Hyundai exec and local tycoon named as suspects.
News May 1, 2025 | 12:24 pm

Four Months In, KPK Still Probing Central Bank CSR Graft with No Suspects Named

KPK continues probing Bank Indonesia CSR fund misuse involving lawmakers’ foundations. No suspects yet, but indications of corruption emerge
News Apr 10, 2025 | 11:29 am

KPK Investigates Djoko Tjandra Over Alleged Meeting with Harun Masiku in KL

KPK questions graft convict Djoko Tjandra over suspected meeting with fugitive politician Harun Masiku in Kuala Lumpur
News Apr 8, 2025 | 11:01 am

KPK Vows to Be Objective After Anti-Graft Chief Joins Danantara

KPK boss Setyo Budiyanto joins Danantara's oversight commitee aimed at ensuring the fund's transparency.
News Mar 18, 2025 | 11:03 pm

KPK Commissioner Proposes Harsh Measures for Corruption Convicts

"The government shouldn’t need to supply them with food. Instead, provide them with farming tools so they can grow their own food."

The Latest


News 11 hours ago

UK Signs Agreement to Hand Sovereignty of Disputed Chagos Islands to Mauritius

Under the agreement, the UK will pay Mauritius 101 million pounds ($136 million) per year to lease back the base for at least 99 years.
News 13 hours ago

Indonesia Seizes Millions of Illegally Imported Tools from China Tracked Through TikTok Ads

The operation targeted a warehouse belonging to Asiaalum Trading Indonesia, located in Cikupa, Tangerang Regency, Banten.
News 13 hours ago

2 Staff Members of Israeli Embassy Killed in Shooting Near Jewish Museum in DC

Israeli officials identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American.
News 14 hours ago

Indonesia Evacuates 10 Citizens from Conflict Zone in Northern Yemen

The Indonesian Embassy in Muscat issued a high-alert advisory on May 10 for areas including Hudaidah, Sana’a, Dhamar, Taizz, and Turbah.
Business 14 hours ago

Bahlil Takes Responsibility for LG’s Exit from $9.8b Battery Project

“The narrative that LG pulled out of the consortium is inaccurate," the minister said.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED