Pemuda Pancasila Chairman Completes KPK Questioning in Coal Corruption Probe
Japto Soerjosoemarno, Chairman of Pemuda Pancasila, has completed questioning at the KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) regarding alleged corruption charges involving former Kutai Kartanegara Regent Rita Widyasari. After concluding his questioning, Japto offered little commentary, instead turning the tables on journalists.
“Where are you from? Which media outlet?” Japto asked reporters as he left the KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
When journalists attempted to inquire about the substance of his questioning, Japto declined to provide clear answers.
“Ask the investigators, why are you asking me,” he responded.
As journalists continued pressing Japto for details about the examination, he provided only brief replies.
“I was questioned regarding my legal responsibility,” he stated.
This marks the second occasion the KPK has questioned Japto in connection with the corruption case involving former Regent Widyasari. During his initial questioning in February 2025, investigators examined allegations of money flows per tonne from coal mining that Japto allegedly received alongside former Kutai Kartanegara Regent Rita Widyasari.
“Generally speaking, the basis for the examination involves a criminal investigation order per tonne. The investigators naturally have and will continue to inquire regarding receipt of those funds, including the process and fund flows. In general terms, that is the scope,” KPK spokesperson Tessa Mahardika told journalists at the agency’s headquarters in South Jakarta on Thursday, 27 February 2025.
However, Tessa declined to elaborate further on Japto’s questioning, stating such matters fell within investigation materials.
“That is part of the investigation materials and I cannot provide further information. However, what can be conveyed is that we are examining the receipt of those tonnes, and so forth,” Tessa explained.
KPK Director of Investigation Asep Guntur Rahayu previously clarified the connection between Japto and Widyasari. He initially explained that Widyasari was charged as a corruption suspect in relation to coal permits whilst serving as Kutai Kartanegara Regent.
Widyasari allegedly demanded payment in US dollars for each tonne of coal mined. According to investigators, Widyasari accumulated millions of dollars through this arrangement.
“But this is different. So each time she issued a permit, she demanded compensation in amounts of USD 3.6–5 per tonne of coal successfully extracted. Thus, until exploration was complete, operations shut down, and the facility closed, it was finished,” Asep stated at KPK headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday, 19 February.
The KPK is also investigating money laundering offences stemming from the alleged corruption. According to KPK’s findings, part of the funds allegedly flowed to businessman and East Kalimantan Pemuda Pancasila Chairman Said Amin. The KPK conducted a search at Said Amin’s residence.
The KPK continued its “follow the money” investigation. It subsequently searched Japto’s residence, seizing 11 vehicles and cash valued at Rp 56 billion.