KPK on Tulungagung Regent's Arrest: Suspected Receipt of Money

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects that Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo received a sum of money, leading to his capture in a Handcatch Operation (OTT) on Friday night (10/4). “Suspected receipt carried out by a state official through unlawful means,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to reporters on Saturday (11/4). Budi did not elaborate on the details of the alleged money receipt by Gatut, stating only that the enforcement team secured cash during the previous night’s operation. “In addition to securing the parties involved, the team also seized evidence, including cash,” he said. Budi noted that a total of 18 people were arrested in the OTT in Tulungagung. However, only 13 were brought to the KPK building in Jakarta, including Gatut. Those transported to Jakarta included 12 from the Tulungagung Regency Government environment, including Gatut, and one other party. “The parties will then undergo further examination at the Merah Putih KPK Building,” he said. Gatut was elected as Tulungagung Regent in the 2024 Regional Election. He was previously a PDIP cadre but left and joined the Gerindra Party before the election. Gatut previously served as Deputy Regent of Tulungagung from 2019 to 2023. He is also known as a building materials shop entrepreneur. Previously, the KPK has also arrested several regional heads at the beginning of this year. Some of the arrested regional heads come from East Java, such as the Regent of Ponorogo and the Mayor of Madiun.