KPK: Two witnesses in the Pati Regent Sudewo case attempt to obstruct the investigation

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned two witnesses to probe actions that could hinder the investigation into the alleged extortion of candidates for the village apparatus, with the suspect being the deactivated Pati Regent Sudewo. The two witnesses are Noor Eva Khasanah, the Head of the Administration Sub-Section at Tambakromo Public Health Center (Puskesmas Tambakromo), and Sudiyono, the Head of Angkatan Lor Village. “Investigators are examining allegations that these two witnesses attempted to gather other witnesses and influence their statements,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said in a written statement on Thursday (5 March). “This could certainly impede the ongoing investigation,” he added. The KPK urged other witnesses to cooperate by providing truthful and complete testimony during questioning. The KPK has opened the possibility of expanding the investigation after raiding the home of former Acting Regional Secretary of Pati, Riyoso, on Friday (27 February). From the raid, the KPK seized several documents and electronic evidence (BBE) that could support the resolution of the case of alleged extortion. Riyoso, who had also served as head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office (Dinas Pekerjaan Umum dan Penataan Ruang) in Pati, had previously been questioned by the KPK in his capacity as a witness. At that time, the KPK examined the planning of desa funds, including a budget component for paying village official salaries, with the scheme set to be opened in March this year. The KPK has named Sudewo and three others as suspects in the case of alleged extortion. The suspects are Abdul Suyono, Head of Karangrowo Village, Jakenan District; Sumarjiono, Head of Arumanis Village, Jakenan District; and Karjan, Head of Sukorukun Village, Jakenan District. They have been detained at the KPK Detention House (Rutan) and are charged under Article 12(e) of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption (UU Tipikor) in conjunction with Article 20(c) of the Indonesian Penal Code (KUHP). The case was uncovered by the KPK through an arrest operation (OTT) conducted some time ago, in which eight people including Sudewo were arrested. In the operation, Rp2.6 billion in cash was seized. The KPK uncovered suspected extortion practices in several subdistricts in Pati. The KPK has not yet provided further details. Pati Regency comprises 21 subdistricts, 401 villages, and five urban communities. It is estimated that 601 village apparatus posts are currently vacant.