Cilacap Regent Faces Trial for Alleged Extortion of Holiday Funds

Former Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman has begun his trial, facing charges of extorting approximately Rp568 million (around $35,000 USD) from regional officials for the Eid al-Fitr holiday allowance (THR).

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutor revealed that the alleged extortion occurred between February and March 2026. Rachman reportedly summoned the Cilacap Regional Secretary, Sadmoko Danardono, to his office, expressing a need for THR funds to be collected from heads of regional government organizations (OPD).

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Why does this have to happen? Why is this needed?

Following Rachman's request, Danardono allegedly instructed Subowo, an assistant, and two others to coordinate with OPD heads. Subowo reportedly voiced objections, questioning the necessity of such a collection, but Danardono allegedly insisted it was the Regent's demand. The collected funds, totaling Rp568 million, were then handed over to Danardono for Rachman.

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This is a request from the defendant.

Prosecutors contend that Rachman, along with Danardono, abused their authority by forcing several department heads to contribute. The prosecution alleges this action benefited Rachman personally by Rp568 million. The case is being prosecuted under Indonesia's anti-corruption laws, including the law on clean governance and the law on regional government, as well as the new Criminal Code.

After the indictment was read, Syamsul Auliya Rachman stated he would not file a defense plea (eksepsi). Consequently, the trial will proceed directly to the examination of witnesses.

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The defendant's actions, together with Satmoko Danardono as Regional Secretary of Cilacap Regency, have abused their power by forcing several heads of OPD to provide money amounting to Rp568 million. They have enriched themselves or the defendant by a total of Rp568 million.