Gowa Regent Named Suspect for Alleged Extortion, Demanding 70% House Discount from Developer
The Polri Corruption Task Force has uncovered four clusters of extortion, gratification, and money laundering practices related to the processing of Building Approval (PBG) permits for 2025-2026, allegedly carried out by the Regent of Gowa, Sitti Husniah Talenrang (HT).
One of the allegations involves Sitti Husniah requesting a house discount of up to 70 per cent from the developer of the Royal Spring housing complex. Investigated by the Polri Corruption Task Force, Brigadier General Robertus Yohanes De Deo revealed that this price reduction was made a condition for the issuance of building approvals.
“Ms HT requested one house unit with a 70% discount from the original price of Rp 1.4 billion as a requirement for the building approval of the Sakura 2 site plan,” said De Deo during a press conference at the National Police Headquarters, South Jakarta, on Friday (2 l/25/2026).
Following the 70 per cent discount, Sitti Husniah paid only Rp 420 million for the residence. The purchase was reportedly disguised using the identity of another party.
“The house was obtained by Ms HT using another person’s name and was paid for at only Rp 420 million,” explained De Deo.
Furthermore, investigators stated that the funds used to settle the house payment did not come from Sitti Husniah’s personal funds. Instead, the money was allegedly extorted from a health department project.
“The money for the house payment actually originated from a request by Ms HT to PT API as a kickback for the procurement of six ambulance units for the Gowa Health Department for the 2025 budget year, with a project value of Rp 3.8 billion,” De Deo revealed.
This house discount case is one of four series of events currently being investigated by detectives. Brigadier General De Deo noted that there are other licensing clusters being exploited by the suspect.
“There are four series of events involving alleged extortion, gratification, and money laundering that fall within the scope of this investigation,” added De Deo.
He stated that in the construction of this case, Sitti Husniah abused her authority as a regional head to obtain personal gain. These personal gains were obtained through third parties, including an individual identified by the initials HA.
“In the entire series of events, Ms HT played a role in directing the licensing process and using her position as regent to request money or benefits through third parties, including Mr HA,” De Deo explained.
“Meanwhile, Mr HA acted to convey the requests, receive, and manage part of the funds under the orders of Ms HT. We are continuing to deepen the involvement of each party related to this event based on the facts of the actions and the evidence available,” concluded De Deo.
For her actions, Sitti Husniah Talenrang faces charges under Article 12 letter e and/or Article 12B of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption in conjunction with Article 20 letter c and Article 126 of the National Criminal Code. Investigators have also applied Article 607 paragraph (1) letter a of the National Criminal Code regarding alleged money laundering.