KPK Designates Cilacap Regent as Suspect, Claims Evidence is Sufficient

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has moved swiftly to conclude the results of a sting operation in Cilacap Regency. The anti-corruption agency has officially designated Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman (AUL) as a suspect and has immediately placed him in detention.

Not only the Regent, but KPK investigators have also implicated Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Cilacap Regency, Sadmoko (SAD), in the same case. Both are strongly suspected of involvement in extortion and receipt of gratification within the Cilacap Regency Government.

“The KPK has proceeded with this matter to the investigation stage and designated two suspects,” stated Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, at the Red and White Building of the KPK in South Jakarta on Saturday (14 March).

Asep confirmed that the suspect status was assigned after the investigative team found sufficient legitimate evidence through a case exposure session. For the purposes of further investigation, both top executives of Cilacap were immediately placed in orange jumpsuits.

“Both will be detained for the first 20 days, from 14 March 2026 to 2 April 2026,” Asep added.

Syamsul and Sadmoko are now being held at the KPK Detention House’s Red and White branch. The detention period may be extended as needed by investigators to examine the involvement of other parties in the extortion scandal.

This case represents a significant blow to governance in Cilacap, given that the two highest positions in the regional bureaucracy must now deal with the law simultaneously.