Caught in KPK Sting Operation, Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Apologises

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo issued an apology after being caught in a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operation (OTT). “I apologise,” Gatut said briefly as he exited the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Sunday (12/4/2026), before being placed in a detention vehicle. Gatut was terse when approached by the media. He only smiled from the lobby of the KPK’s Red and White Building until he was about to enter the detention vehicle. Meanwhile, Dwi Yoga Ambal walked with a serious expression without providing any statements. Gatut is alleged to have pressured the heads of regional device organisations (OPD) within the Tulungagung Regency Government following the inauguration of officials. These officials were reportedly asked to sign statements of readiness to resign from their positions and as civil servants if they were unable to carry out the tasks and responsibilities assigned to them. The letters are suspected to have been used as tools to pressure OPD heads into fulfilling the regent’s demands, including when requested to provide money contributions. In practice, Gatut is also alleged to have demanded certain amounts of money from 16 OPDs for various reasons. Before withdrawing money from the OPDs, Gatut is said to have first increased their budgets. Gatut also allegedly demanded a share of up to 50 percent from every additional budget in the OPDs. However, before the funds from the additional budget posts were disbursed, the money was already demanded first. The withdrawal of the money was carried out by Gatut’s aide, Dwi Yoga, who in its execution often treated the OPDs like parties with debts. Gatut and Dwi Yoga have been immediately detained in the KPK Detention Centre for the next 20 days for investigation purposes.