KPK Suspects Widespread Corruption in University Student Admissions
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has highlighted suspected corruption within the new student admission process at Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed), involving the Rector and Vice-Rector. The KPK suspects that such corrupt practices in the admission process may also be occurring at other higher education institutions.
“There are suspicions that practices of manipulation in the new student admission process are not only occurring at Unila (University of Lampung) or Unsoed, but are also believed to be widespread in other campuses,” stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK Red and White Building, South Jakarta, on Monday (3antum 31/8/2026).
Budi explained that the handling of the corruption case at Unsoed is the second of its kind after the KPK handled a similar case at Unila in 2022. He noted that since the Unila case, the KPK has issued circular letters as a preventive measure.
“In 2022, in response to the Unila case, the KPK issued circular letters to state universities, state religious universities, and state polytechnics,” said Budi.
Budi also urged the public not to hesitate to report to the KPK if they find indications of corruption within state university environments, whether in the student admission process or other matters.
“We urge the public, if you know of or experience suspected practices similar to the Unsoed case, please report to the KPK. Everything will be reviewed, analysed, and followed up. The KPK’s approach will depend on the issues reported by the public,” said Budi.
“We call upon university entities to take this seriously. It is hoped that this issue serves as a catalyst for improving the campus ecosystem towards greater integrity. This must involve real steps, not just commitments, but actual efforts to improve the system,” he added.
It is known that the Rector of Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed), Akhmad Sodiq, and five others have been named suspects in a case involving extortion and gratification related to the independent selection track for new students. The KPK revealed three distinct clusters in this case.
The KPK has named six suspects:
Ahmad Sodiq, Rector of Unsoed
Norman Arie Prayoga, Vice-Rector III of Unsoed
Eko Sumanto, Head of Academic Division at Unsoed
Dian Mulia Wardhana, private party
Adhi Wiharto, private party
Mulyono, private party
First Cluster: Extortion
In August 2026, Norman, acting as Vice-Rector with Sodiq’s knowledge, instructed two intermediaries, Dian Mulia Wardhana (DMW) and Adhi Wiharto (AW), to set a price of Rp 650 million for parents whose children wished to pass the independent selection for the Faculty of Medicine (FK).
“Both individuals, acting as private parties, allegedly demanded Rp 650 million from the parents of prospective students in the Faculty of Medicine,” explained Acting Director of KPK Investigations, Achmad Taufik Husein, on Monday (24/8).
The demand was met by the parents. However, instead of passing the selection, the students failed. Unhappy with this, the parents requested a refund. However, Dian and Adhi could not return the Rp 650 million as it had already been spent.
“This means the money provided by the parents was used by DMW and AW themselves,” added Taufik.
The two then informed Vice-Rector Norman. Norman, with the permission of Rector Akhmad Sodiq, subsequently borrowed money from a private party to repay the funds. With Sodiq’s knowledge, Norman promised to repay the loan through the disbursement of three project packages within the Unsoed environment, including canopy procurement, canteen renovation, and building painting.
Second Cluster: Gratification 2025-2026
The second cluster relates to gratification during the 2025-2026 student admission selection. Sodiq allegedly gave instructions to his nephew, Mulyono, using the code: ‘don’t ask for it upfront, if given, say thank you.’
With Sodiq’s knowledge, Mulyuno allegedly received at least Rp 680 million. Sodiq also instructed Mulyuno to use the funds to pay for the purchase of three plots of land registered under Mulyuno’s name.
Third Cluster: Dowry Negotiations
The third cluster concerns ‘dowry’ negotiations occurring in 2026. This began when the Head of Academic Division, Eko Sumanto, ‘tasked’ with negotiating with collectors to extort prospective students via the promise of passing the selection.
Eko established intense communication with these collectors. Subsequently, Eko conducted ‘dowry negotiations’ with the knowledge of Sodiq.
“In the same period (2026), it was found that Eko, as the Head of Academic Division at Unsoed, communicated with one of the collectors of prospective students at Unsoed. In that communication, Eko, with the knowledge of Akhmad Sodiq, conducted ‘dowry negotiations’ regarding the independent selection process,” said Taufik.
Following the agreement on the ‘dowry’, Eko received a total of Rp 1.12 billion from one of the collectors.