KPK Reveals Regent Gatut Forced Subordinates to Sign Two 'Magic Letters', Banned from Bringing Phones

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed the methods used by Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo (GSW) to extort heads of regional device organisations (OPD) or officials. The KPK stated that after the inauguration of the OPD heads, they were called to a special room to sign a resignation statement from their position if unable to carry out the assigned duties.

The case began after GSW inaugurated several OPD heads within the Tulungagung Regency Government in December 2025. These officials were called one by one to sign the agreement letter.

“So this is related to the inauguration of the OPD officials. After the inauguration, Mr GSW asked the officials to sign a resignation statement from their position and from the civil service if they were unable to carry out the duties and responsibilities given. So on that occasion, shortly after being inaugurated, they were called one by one,” said Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday (12/4/2026).

In the letter submitted, it already contained a statement that the OPD head would resign from the position and civil service if unable to carry out duties and responsibilities. The letter was stamped with fiscal marks, but the date column was left blank.

Additionally, Gatut Sunu handed over a letter of absolute responsibility for budget management in each work unit. Copies of the resignation letters from the OPD heads were not given by GSW.

“Additionally, several other officials were also asked to sign a statement of responsibility for budget management in their respective work units. So there is absolute responsibility, the person concerned is responsible for whatever happens in budget management, and they will be fully accountable. That was also requested to be signed,” said Asep.

“So there are two letters. The resignation from position and civil service is one letter, although the content covers two. Then the absolute responsibility is one letter,” he added.

Asep said these OPD heads were called to a special room to sign the two letters. The officials were prohibited from bringing mobile phones, making it difficult to secure evidence.

“The resignation statement from position and civil service was deliberately undated and copies were not given to the officials. So they were called to a special room, where there was an aide, and asked to sign. As mentioned earlier, the officials were not allowed to bring their phones so there was no opportunity to take photos or anything like that,” he said.

The KPK revealed that Regent Gatut set an extortion target of up to Rp 5 billion. However, until he was finally arrested, Regent Gatut only managed to collect Rp 2.7 billion.

“From the total request by GSW to the OPDs, at least Rp 5 billion, the realised money received by GSW was approximately Rp 2.7 billion,” Asep disclosed.

Asep said at least 16 department heads within the Tulungagung Regency Government were asked for contribution money. The amounts requested ranged from Rp 15 million to Rp 2.8 billion.