Cak Imin Speaks Out After Cilacap Regent Caught in KPK Sting Operation

The General Chairman of the PKB (Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa) Central Board, Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, issued a detailed response following the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) designation of Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman as a suspect. Cak Imin, as he is commonly known, expressed shock that a party cadre was involved in alleged corruption through extortion.

Speaking at the PKB Central Board offices in Jakarta on Sunday 15 March, Cak Imin stated his concern regarding the legal troubles facing the regional head in Central Java.

“Yes, we are concerned. We did not expect this,” Cak Imin stated briefly in response to Syamsul Auliya’s legal status.

However, Cak Imin emphasised that PKB would not interfere with the legal steps being taken by the anti-corruption agency. “Naturally, we respect the legal process,” he affirmed.

The case began with a sting operation (OTT) conducted by the KPK on 13 March 2026. This operation marked the ninth sting operation of 2026 and the third during the holy month of Ramadan.

During the operation, KPK investigators detained Syamsul Auliya Rachman along with 26 others. Officers also seized cash in rupiah as evidence.

On 14 March 2026, the KPK formally designated two senior officials from Cilacap Regency as suspects. According to KPK investigation, both were allegedly involved in extortion and other illegal receipts within the Cilacap Regency Government during the 2025-2026 budget year.

Based on preliminary investigation findings, Syamsul was suspected of targeting funds totalling Rp750 million from the extortion scheme. These funds were reportedly planned to be allocated at Rp515 million for Raya Day Allowances (THR) for the Cilacap Regency Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), with the remainder intended for personal purposes.

Prior to the sting operation, the suspect reportedly succeeded in collecting Rp610 million.