Pemalang Regent Caught in KPK Sting Operation Over Projects and Position Auction

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has conducted a sting operation (OTT) against the Regent of Pemalang, Central Java, Anom Widiyantoro, over alleged corruption linked to government projects and the buying and selling of the Regional Secretary position.

KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated in Jakarta on Wednesday (29/7) that the covert investigation indicated the regent had received gratuities related to projects. “In addition, there are allegations of payments received by the regent concerning the trade of positions within the Pemalang Regency Government,” he added.

The anti-graft agency apprehended a total of 21 individuals during the operation in Pemalang, Purworejo, and Jakarta on Tuesday (28/7). The regent and four others were arrested in Jakarta.

From that number, 12 individuals were taken to the KPK headquarters for further examination. “In addition to securing 21 people, the team also seized evidence including cash amounting to more than IDR 2 billion, along with other pieces of evidence secured during the sting operation,” Budi stated.

Simultaneously, the KPK enforcement team sealed several locations for further searches, including the regent’s office. The anti-graft body has 1x24 hours to determine the legal status of those caught in the operation.