Unsoed Rector Akhmad Sodiq and Vice Rector Named Suspects After KPK Sting Operation

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named six suspects following a sting operation at Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) in Banyumas, Central Java. “Today we explain in detail the incident caught in the act during an investigation related to the new student admission process at Jenderal Soedirman University, Unsoed, Purwokerto,” said Acting Director of Investigation at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, during a press conference at KPK headquarters on Friday evening (21/8). “It relates to acts of extortion and other receipts in the form of gratuities by state officials at Jenderal Soedirman University in connection with new student admissions,” he continued.

The six suspects announced at the press conference are Unsoed Rector Akhmad Sodiq; Vice Rector III Norman Arie Prayoga; Head of Academic Affairs Eko Sumanto; and three private individuals named Dian Mulia Wardhana, Adhi Wiharto, and Mulyono.

The sting operation was carried out in Purwokerto and Jakarta, with intensive examinations conducted since Thursday (20/8). “The KPK has found evidence of a criminal act and has elevated this case to the investigation stage. Based on sufficient evidence, the KPK has named six suspects,” said Taufik.

Taufik explained that the independent selection pathway at Unsoed is an admission route opened and managed independently by the university. In this admission process, prospective students are charged Single Tuition Fees (UKT) and Institutional Development Contributions (IPI) that vary according to their respective categories. For example, at the Faculty of Medicine, the UKT range starts from Rp7.1 million up to Rp17 million. Meanwhile, the IPI range at the Faculty of Medicine starts from Rp100 million (IPI 1) up to Rp260 million (IPI 4).

“However, in the new student admission process through this independent pathway, the KPK found alleged corruption in the form of extortion and other receipts or gratuities,” said Taufik. “As a result, the additional costs arising from these levies, beyond the fees that are required to be paid (UKT and IPI), were felt to be very burdensome for prospective new students,” he continued.

For their actions, the six suspects are charged under Article 12 letter e or Article 12 B of the Corruption Eradication Law in conjunction with Article 20 letter (c) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. “The KPK has subsequently detained the suspects for the first 20 days from 21 August to 9 September 2026. The detention is being carried out at the KPK Red and White Building Branch Detention Centre,” said Taufik.

In the sting operation in the Purwokerto and Jakarta areas on Thursday (20/8), the KPK arrested 14 people. Twelve were arrested in Purwokerto and two others in Jakarta. The two people arrested in Jakarta, including the Unsoed Rector, were immediately subjected to intensive questioning at the KPK Red and White Building. Meanwhile, the 12 people arrested in Purwokerto underwent initial examination at the Banyumas Police Station. Subsequently, seven other people were taken to Jakarta for further questioning.

In the covert operation, the KPK found and seized evidence in the form of cash amounting to approximately Rp665 million and a bank account balance of Rp99 million.

The KPK expressed regret over the alleged corruption in the education sector because it can have a major impact on the instilling of values and character. Moreover, the alleged corruption occurred during the initial admission process. “In this case, the KPK sees a power relation that is suspected to have been abused by a number of parties. Authority that should have been used to carry out an objective new student admission process in accordance with regulations was instead exploited to determine certain tariffs or rewards,” said Taufik. “This certainly has a domino effect, not only violating the principle of fairness but also damaging trust in educational institutions,” he continued.

Previously, the Unsoed rectorate had spoken out after a number of Unsoed officials were caught in the KPK sting operation. Unsoed spokesperson Edi Santoso admitted that he did not yet know for certain the case being handled by the KPK or the legal status of the people undergoing examination in the process. “The KPK is carrying out an examination process, but we ourselves do not yet know what the actual case is and what the legal status is of the people who have been taken there,” said Edi, as quoted from Antara on Friday (21/8).

Edi said the rectorate had not yet taken a further stance for the time being because it was still waiting for the KPK’s determination or official statement regarding the case. According to him, the university would convey its position after obtaining official clarity regarding the ongoing legal process. “Let us wait for clarity first, so for now there is no stance yet. Of course we will respect all legal processes, but as to what it is like, let us wait for the KPK,” said Edi.