Inactive Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu undergoes first trial in corruption case

Tulungagung, East Java - The inactive Regent of Tulungagung, Gatut Sunu Wibowo, alongside his aide, Dwi Yoga Ambal, attended the first trial regarding alleged corruption offences at the Surabaya Corruption Court, East Java, on Friday.

During the hearing held in the Candra Room, prosecutors from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) read two indictments against both defendants, involving allegations of extortion related to their positions and the receipt of gratifications.

According to the indictment, prosecutors stated that the defendants obtained funds amounting to Rp3.24 billion from several officials within regional apparatus organisations (OPD) in the Tulungagagedung Regency Government through the abuse of official authority.

These actions are alleged to violate Article 12 letter e of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001.

The indictment noted that several regional officials allegedly handed over sums of varying amounts, ranging from millions to over Rp1 billion.

In addition to the extortion charges, prosecutors also indicted Gatut Sunu Wibowo and Dwi Yoga Ambal for receiving gratifications with a total value of approximately Rp2.9 billion.

For these actions, both defendants are charged under Article 12 B of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, which regulates the receipt of gratifications by state officials.

The defendants’ legal counsel, Suryono Pane, stated that they respect the ongoing legal process and will present their defence during the evidentiary stage of the trial.

According to him, the funds that are the subject of the case were allegedly received through the defendant’s aide, meaning the defence maintains that further proof is required regarding Gatut Sunu Wibowo’s direct involvement.

“We will test all of this during the trial process. We are awaiting the evidence from the prosecutors as well as the testimony of the witnesses,” he said.

The panel of judges has scheduled the next hearing to proceed with the examination of witnesses and the presentation of evidence regarding the indictments submitted by the KPK prosecutors.