KPK Opens Possibility of Examining Sukoharjo Regent's Husband in Extortion Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has opened the possibility of examining the husband of Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani in connection with an alleged extortion case within the Sukoharjo Regency Government, Central Java. Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu stated that a deeper investigation would be conducted because the alleged extortion is believed to have been a continuing practice, or ‘tradition’. ‘Currently, the husband of ETS is unwell. However, we will certainly request his statement if the results of a medical examination deem it possible for him to be questioned,’ Asep said during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday. He noted that the case is ironic as it demonstrates that extortion practices have spanned across different leadership periods. He said the regional heads ignored their mandate and failed to make integrity the foundation of governance. Asep stressed that such repeated corrupt practices must be stopped and should serve as a lesson for other regions, as similar methods are prone to occur elsewhere. ‘Moreover, during the period of 2025 to mid-2026, the KPK has taken action against 15 regional heads in Indonesia,’ he said. According to him, this shows that when a position is used for personal gain, the public is the most disadvantaged, as any abuse of authority not only violates the law but also betrays public trust, degrades the quality of public services, and disrupts regional development. In this case, three individuals have been named as suspects: Etik Suryani, Richard Tri Handoko, Head of the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD) of Sukoharjo, and Tri Mulyo, Head of General Affairs at the Sukoharjo Regional Secretariat. From the extortion, Etik allegedly received IDR 2.93 billion in ‘levy collection fees’ between 2021 and 2026. The KPK has detained the suspects for an initial 20-day period from 10 to 29 July 2026 at the KPK’s Red and White Building detention centre. The three local government officials are charged under Article 12 letter e or Article 12 letter f and Article 12B of Law Number 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001.