PKB Responds to Arrest of Cilacap Regent

The National Leadership Council of the Democratic Awakening Party (PKB) has expressed respect for the legal process and the rule of law following the detention of one of its cadres, Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, in a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operation.

“We respect all legal processes and uphold the law,” said PKB National Secretary-General M. Hasanuddin Wahid when reached by ANTARA from Jakarta on Friday 13 March.

He stated that the PKB Central Leadership Council views the case involving the Cilacap Regent as a lesson for all party cadres to avoid unlawful conduct and to constantly safeguard themselves from all illegal actions.

On 13 March 2026, the KPK announced its ninth sting operation of 2026 and the third during Ramadhan. The operation detained Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman and 26 other individuals, whilst seizing quantities of cash in the form of rupiah currency.

The sting operation is connected to allegations of bribery related to projects within the Cilacap District Government in Central Java. The case relating to hajj quotas is estimated to have caused state losses of Rp622 billion.

The KPK has 1 × 24 hours to determine the status of those detained in the sting operation in accordance with the Indonesian Code of Criminal Procedure (KUHAP).

Following the KPK sting operation in Cilacap, officials from the Cilacap District Government, including Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, alongside other officials, were examined at the Criminal Investigation Unit of Banyumas Police. When questioned by journalists, officials remained silent, though Regent Rachman was observed smiling whilst walking towards a mosque accompanied by Banyumas Police personnel.

The cash seized by the KPK is denominated in rupiah, though the exact amount has not yet been fully disclosed as it remains under tabulation.