PKB Chairman Shocked by Cilacap Regent's Alleged Extortion of Subordinates for Bonuses

The Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar, known as Cak Imin, said he was shocked by the arrest of Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Syamsul, also a PKB cadre, is now a suspect in an alleged extortion case involving his subordinates.

“Yes, we are concerned. We did not expect this,” said Cak Imin at the PKB central headquarters in Jakarta on Sunday (15 March 2026).

Cak Imin expressed respect for the legal process against Syamsul. He urged all PKB cadres to avoid corruption.

“Of course we respect the legal process. The important thing is that all PKB regents should never fall into situations that are dangerous and lead to corruption,” he said.

Previously, Syamsul was caught in an undercover KPK operation on 13 March 2026. The KPK subsequently designated Syamsul Auliya Rachman (AUL) and Cilacap Secretary Sadmoko Danardono (SAD) as suspects in the alleged extortion case.

Both have been charged under Article 12 paragraph e and/or Article 12B of the Anti-Corruption Law in conjunction with Article 20 paragraph c of the Criminal Code. The KPK also seized Rp 610 million, believed to be proceeds from Syamsul’s extortion of his subordinates.

“SAD also gave orders to SUM, FER, and BUD to communicate and coordinate the demand for money from AUL relating to the need for holiday bonuses for personal and external purposes, which had to be collected before the Eid holiday in 2026, namely 13 March 2026,” said KPK Deputy for Enforcement Asep Guntur.