Alleged 'pungli' by Garongan Village Head in Kulon Progo Regency Advances to Investigation Stage

The case of alleged ’ pungli ’ ( illegal levies) involving Garongan Village Head Ngadiman is being investigated by police. The case has now moved from preliminary inquiry to full investigation stage. ’ Currently, the case has been elevated from preliminary inquiry to full investigation following a case review at the DIY Police Criminal Investigation Directorate,’ said Kulon Progo Police Residency’s Criminal Investigation Unit chief, Iptu Subahan Afuan Ardhi, to journalists on Thursday, 28 May 2026. Subahan explained that during initial interviews, investigators have summoned over a dozen individuals and relevant institutions as witnesses. The Criminal Investigation Unit will continue to summon witnesses and seek expert testimony to determine suspect status. ’ Currently, around 12 people have been interviewed, including victims, their spouses, village officials, and representatives from relevant departments and IRDA,’ he added. Ngadiman remains a witness. The investigators aim to expedite the case handling. Police have also secured documentary evidence, including receipts provided to victims, as well as bank transfers and bank statements. ’ He remains a witness for now. We plan to expedite the case, collect evidence, and obtain expert testimony to upgrade his status to suspect,’ he concluded. Previously, mutual police reports were filed between villagers and the village head in Kulon Progo Regency, following allegations of ’ pungli ’ by the Garongan Village Head. The case went viral on social media after a Garongan resident complained about being asked for money when processing administrative identity documents. According to social media posts, the resident claimed to have been subjected to ’ pungli ’ when processing identity documents, initially asked to pay Rp 500,000 but later negotiations reduced it to Rp 300,000 paid to the Garongan Village Head. The post went viral, leading multiple villagers to report the village head to Kulon Progo Police. Subsequently, the village head filed a counter-complaint against the resident. Ngadiman confirmed receiving Rp 300,000 from a resident identified as A, which went into his personal account rather than the village’s official funds. Ngadiman claimed the money was a personal gift from A, not an official fee. ’ Yes, the resident offered. I accepted as per Javanese custom, a gesture of affection. It went into my personal account, not the village’s,’ Ngadiman told journalists on Tuesday, 27 April. ’ No, there’s no such thing. Official duties are handled through the treasury and assets. This was personal,’ he added. He also claimed to be unaware of the transfer being made to his account. ’ I wasn’t aware when it was received. I was informed, ’ sir, it’s done. Thank you.’ In local terms, it’s a ’ tanda tresna ’ ( token of affection),’ he said. However, A later posted the ’ pungli ’ allegations online. Initially, Ngadiman remained silent, but after the resident’s comments were perceived as an attack on the village government, he filed a counter-complaint. ’ It’s personal. But why personal? His accusations implied my government was involved in ’ pungli ’ , not me personally,’ he said. Ngadiman stated he filed the complaint to clarify the case. ’ to facilitate a face-off or mediation so the narrative isn’t one-sided,’ he added