KPK Charges Cilacap Regent in Extortion Scheme Disguised as THR Collections
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has formally designated Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman (AUL) as a suspect in an alleged extortion case operating under the guise of “target remittance” holiday allowance (THR) collections. This fraudulent practice is believed to have commenced in 2025, targeting public service institutions including district hospitals (RSUD) and health centres (Puskesmas).
KPK’s Deputy for Prosecution and Enforcement, Asep Guntur Rahayu, revealed that Syamsul allegedly instructed subordinates to collect extortion payments ostensibly to finance holiday allowances for external parties, including the Cilacap Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).
“During intensive investigations, KPK also discovered allegations of similar practices occurring in 2025,” Asep Guntur stated at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Saturday (14 March).
In executing the scheme, Syamsul allegedly pressured 25 village administrations, 2 district hospitals, and 20 health centres across Cilacap. Each work unit was burdened with obligations to remit funds according to predetermined targets.
“Each work unit was targeted to remit between Rp75 million to Rp100 million,” Asep explained. The perpetrators employed the code phrase ‘target remittance’ to disguise the money demands. However, in practice, some units managed to submit only Rp3 million.
Beyond the regent, KPK also charged Cilacap Regional Secretary (Sekda) Sadmoko Danardono (SAD) as a suspect in the same case. Investigators seized cash totalling Rp610 million as evidence.
The funds were discovered stored in goodie bags at the residence of one of Syamsul’s subordinates. The money was intended for distribution to external parties of the Cilacap District Government ahead of the holiday season. Both suspects have been secured for further legal proceedings.
The KPK has taken 13 individuals from a total of 27 persons apprehended during the operation into custody. Syamsul, a member of the National Awakening Party (PKB), is recorded as having a net worth of approximately Rp12.03 billion according to the 2025 State Officials’ Wealth Report (LHKPN).