27 People Arrested in KPK Raid on Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman

The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has launched a sting operation (Operasi Tangkap Tangan, OTT) in Central Java targeting Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman. The silent operation conducted on Friday, 13 March, resulted in the arrest of a total of 27 individuals.

KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed that all those arrested are currently undergoing intensive questioning in Cilacap. This examination is being conducted to establish the role of each party before they are brought to KPK headquarters in Jakarta.

“Intensive questioning is currently underway at the location. The team will conduct further examination and bring them to the Red-White KPK Building,” Budi Prasetyo said at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday, 13 March.

The arrest of Syamsul Auliya Rachman is believed to be closely linked to fraudulent receipt of funds related to several projects within the Cilacap Regency Government. In addition to arresting dozens of people, the KPK enforcement team discovered cash at the scene, believed to be part of bribery fees.

Budi explained that the examination at the arrest location represents the first phase of the sting operation. Those deemed to have strong connections to this corruption offence will soon be transported to Jakarta for further questioning.

According to legal regulations, the KPK has a maximum of 24 hours to determine the legal status of the 27 individuals. Details regarding their suspect status and case information will be disclosed through an official press conference.

At the time of publication, the KPK team continues to work in the field to gather additional evidence to strengthen the bribery case against the top official in Cilacap. The case is estimated to have caused state losses of Rp622 billion, with allegations centring on hajj quota manipulation and fraudulent receipts from government projects.