Unsoed Rector Sting Operation Allegedly Linked to Medical Student Selection

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operation against the rector and vice-rector of Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) is suspected to be linked to the manipulation of new medical student admissions.

“There is an alleged manipulation of new student admissions (for medicine),” said KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto when contacted via written message on Friday (21/8).

In the sting operation in the Purwokerto area on Thursday (20/8), Central Java, the KPK arrested 14 people. Twelve were arrested in Purwokerto and two others in Jakarta.

“One of the parties detained is the Rector of Unsoed,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in a written statement on Friday (21/8).

Budi said the two people arrested in Jakarta were immediately subjected to intensive questioning at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building.

Meanwhile, the 12 people detained in Purwokerto underwent initial examination at the Banyumas Police Station.

Subsequently, seven of them were taken to Jakarta for further questioning.

“So that up to now, the parties detained in the series of caught-in-the-act events and currently undergoing questioning at the KPK total nine people,” he said.

“The evidence seized includes cash amounting to hundreds of millions of rupiah,” Budi continued.

The KPK expressed regret over the alleged corruption in the education sector because it can have a major impact on the inculcation of values and character.

“Moreover, the alleged corruption occurred during the initial admission process. This means that transactions were already taking place when new students opened the gates to enter campus. Gates that should be the gateway to the nation’s aspirations and future,” said Budi.