Jakarta – The discovery of dozens of platinum bars inside the vehicle of suspended Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, also known as Ondim, has drawn widespread public attention. Investigators found 55 pieces of platinum weighing approximately 55 kilograms, with an estimated value exceeding Rp40 billion.
According to CNN Indonesia, platinum is a rare silver-white precious metal that is even scarcer than gold. It is highly resistant to corrosion, can withstand extremely high temperatures, and has excellent electrical conductivity, making it valuable across a wide range of industries.
In addition to being used in high-end jewelry, platinum is widely utilized in automotive catalytic converters, electronic components, laboratory equipment, medical instruments, and as a key ingredient in several chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer.
Acting Director of Investigation at Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Achmad Taufik Husein, said the platinum’s provisional value is estimated at more than Rp40 billion. The estimate was based on publicly available market prices, which place each piece at around Rp900 million. However, he emphasized that the valuation remains preliminary.
The KPK will conduct further examinations to verify the authenticity and origin of the platinum, involving experts from Antam and Pegadaian. The seized platinum has become part of the evidence in the corruption investigation involving Syah Afandin.
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