Ali Ridho Lapatau, a businessman currently facing a lawsuit worth IDR 29 billion from former Mayor of Bontang, Basri Rase, has expressed his readiness to go through the court process. He emphasized that he is undeterred by the legal suit and is committed to revealing the actual facts before the panel of judges.
In his statement, Ali Ridho denied having any personal debt or receivable relationship with Basri Rase. He emphasized that their relationship was purely a business-to-business (B2B) collaboration in the industrial fuel oil (BBM) sector. Furthermore, Ali revealed that the investment funds he received were not provided directly by Basri Rase, but through a third-party intermediary.
Furthermore, Ali expressed regret over the legal action taken by Basri Rase. Despite currently being the defendant, Ali stated that he and the former top official in Bontang share a friendship. He even claimed to have helped Basri's financial situation in the past, an act he performed voluntarily as moral support between friends.
"This is a business realm, and I respect the constitutional right of every citizen to pursue legal action. However, I will reveal the actual facts supported by evidence in the courtroom," Ali stated on Friday (10/7/2026).
As is known, Basri Rase filed a lawsuit with the Bontang District Court over an alleged breach of contract. In the lawsuit, Basri demands the return of funds claimed as a loan, including interest calculations, as well as compensation for material and immaterial losses totaling IDR 29 billion.
