Chairman of Youth Pancasila Questioned Again by Corruption Commission Over Former Regent Case

Indonesia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has again questioned Japto Soerjosoemarno, chairman of the Youth Pancasila movement (Pemuda Pancasila/PP), as a witness in an alleged corruption case involving former Kutai Kartanegara Regent Rita Widyasari.

Japto arrived at the KPK offices on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, at approximately 09:00 local time, accompanied by several individuals. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the questioning, stating: “Today the investigators have scheduled the examination of witness JP as a witness in the matter of alleged gratification corruption in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, for the corporate defendant.”

However, Budi declined to provide details about the examination’s contents, noting that the KPK would communicate further information in due course.

This represents the second interrogation of Japto. He was previously questioned on 26 February 2025, when investigators examined allegations that Japto received payments per tonne of coal mined, obtained jointly with former regent Rita Widyasari.

The investigation reveals that Widyasari, whilst serving as Regent, allegedly demanded compensation in US dollars for each tonne of coal extracted. According to KPK Director of Investigation Asep Guntur Rahayu, Widyasari requested compensation of USD 3.6-5 per tonne of coal successfully explored. The former regent allegedly accumulated millions of dollars through these demands.

The KPK is also investigating money laundering offences (TPPU) arising from the alleged corruption. Investigation has traced portions of the disputed funds allegedly flowing to Said Amin, a businessman and chairman of Youth Pancasila East Kalimantan, whose residence was subsequently searched by authorities.

Following the money trail, the KPK conducted a search of Japto’s residence, during which authorities seized 11 vehicles and cash valued at Rp 56 billion (approximately USD 3.5 million).