KPK Searches Home of Former Pati Deputy Regional Secretary, Set to Expand Sudewo Case
The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is considering expanding its investigation into allegations of extortion involving candidate village officials after conducting a search of the residence of former Pati Regional Secretary Deputy Riyoso on Friday, 27 February.
“The search was conducted to strengthen evidence, particularly against those already designated as suspects,” stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when asked for comment on Saturday, 28 February.
“However, it does not preclude the possibility that should additional evidence be found during the course of ongoing interrogations and searches, the investigation will be expanded,” he added.
Riyoso, who also served as Head of the Pati Public Works and Spatial Planning Office, was previously questioned by the KPK in his capacity as a witness some time ago. At that time, the KPK was examining village fund planning, with budget components including payments for village official salaries, with positions to be filled in March.
During the search of Riyoso’s residence, the KPK seized several documents and electronic evidence (BBE) that could support the investigation into the alleged extortion case.
The KPK has designated Sudewo and three others as suspects in the alleged extortion case. These suspects are Abdul Suyono, Head of Karangrowo Village in Jakenan District; Sumarjiono, Head of Arumanis Village in Jaken District; and Karjan, Head of Sukorukun Village in Jaken District.
They are currently detained in the KPK State Detention Centre (Rutan), charged under Article 12(e) of the Corruption Eradication Law read in conjunction with Article 20(c) of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
The case was uncovered by the KPK through a covert operation (OTT) conducted some time ago, in which eight people, including Sudewo, were arrested. During the operation, approximately Rp2.6 billion was seized.
The KPK discovered evidence of extortion practices in several districts in Pati. The KPK has not yet provided detailed information regarding these findings.
Pati Regency comprises a total of 21 districts, 401 villages, and 5 subdistricts. It is estimated that there are currently 601 vacant village official positions.