KPK suspects Tulungagung Regent uses letters to escape legal troubles

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo (GSW) of using a suspected extortion method involving letters signed by heads of regional device organisations (OPD) to escape legal entanglements. “Mr GSW wanted to get away if this became a case or a finding,” said KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Saturday (11/4) evening. Asep explained that initially, Gatut Sunu asked OPD heads, such as department heads, to sign statements of resignation from their positions and civil servant (ASN) status. In addition, he said, the Tulungagung Regent asked them to sign letters taking absolute responsibility for the management of their OPD’s budgets. “So, there is absolute responsibility, where the person concerned is responsible for budget management. Whatever happens, they will be fully responsible. That was also requested to be signed. So, there are two such letters,” said Asep. Then, when there are findings by the Financial Audit Board (BPK) of Indonesia or the regional inspectorate, the one deemed responsible would be the OPD head as per the signed letter. “When audited, whether by BPK or the inspectorate. For example, why is there a certain amount of money taken from work in Public Works? It has been prepared with the absolute responsibility letter. So, whatever happens to the budget, for example in Public Works, the department head is absolutely responsible,” he explained. Previously, KPK conducted a sting operation (OTT) in the Tulungagung area, East Java, on 10 April 2026. KPK arrested 18 people in that OTT, including Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo and his blood brother, who is also a Tulungagung DPRD member, Jatmiko Dwijo Saputro. A day later, on 11 April 2026, KPK brought Gatut Sunu Wibowo and his brother along with 11 others to Jakarta for intensive examination. On the same date, KPK announced Gatut Sunu Wibowo (GSW) along with Dwi Yoga Ambal (YOG), his aide, as suspects in the alleged extortion case and other receipts within the Tulungagung Regency Government for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.