KPK Investigates Source of Funds from Regional Heads for Cilacap Regent's 'Holiday Allowance' Allocation
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed developments in its investigation into an extortion case involving suspended Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman (AUL). The KPK stated it is currently investigating the sources of funds from regional department heads (kadis) who were asked to provide a ‘holiday allowance allocation’ requested by Regent Syamsul.
KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo stated that the KPK is currently conducting a series of searches in Cilacap following the designation of suspects. These searches, according to Budi, relate to the investigation into the sources of money provided by department heads to meet Regent Syamsul’s demands.
“The KPK is investigating the motive and source of the money, whether it originated purely from government agencies (SKPD) or from private parties promised projects,” Budi explained to journalists at KPK headquarters in Jakarta’s Kuningan area on Tuesday (17 March 2026).
“If it originated from the private sector, the KPK will investigate the potential for project manipulation, value mark-ups, or reduction in building specifications,” he added.
Previously, the KPK announced discovering the holiday allowance allocation for Syamsul during searches of the official residence and office of the Cilacap Regent, the Cilacap Regional Secretary’s office, and the offices of Assistant Regents 1, 2, and 3 on Monday (16 March).
“During the searches, investigators secured and seized a number of documents and electronic evidence items, including mobile phones containing messages related to the collection of money from SKPD heads to their respective department heads,” Budi explained.
The KPK has designated Syamsul and Cilacap Regional Secretary Sadmoko Danardono (SAD) as suspects in an alleged extortion case. Both face charges under Article 12(e) and/or Article 12B of the Law on Eradication of Corruption Offences.
They are suspected of forcing Cilacap municipal government officials to deposit funds for holiday allowances ahead of Ramadan. The KPK confiscated 610 million rupiah during a raid on Syamsul and others.