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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Indonesian University Leaders Arrested in Admissions Corruption Probe

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested the rector and two vice-rectors of Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) for alleged corruption.
  • The arrests are linked to illicit transactions during the new student admission process.
  • The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is awaiting official results from the KPK before taking action.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has apprehended the rector and two vice-rectors of Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) in Purwokerto, Central Java, in connection with alleged corruption. KPK Chairperson Setyo Budiyanto confirmed that Rector Akhmad Sodiq, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Noor Farid, and Vice Rector for Student Affairs Norman Arie Prayogo were involved in the operation.

The rector was also involved.

— Setyo BudiyantoKPK Chairperson confirming the rector's involvement in the alleged corruption.

The arrests stem from an alleged corruption scheme surrounding the admission of new students. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo expressed dismay, stating that corruption in the education sector undermines the moral values and character development that universities should instill. He described the illicit transactions as corrupting "gates that should serve as the portal to high ideals and the nation's future."

During the sting operation on August 20, KPK investigators seized hundreds of millions of rupiah. A total of 14 individuals were detained in Purwokerto and Jakarta. Following initial questioning, nine individuals were transferred to Jakarta for intensive interrogation at the KPK's Red and White Building.

The KPK laments the occurrence of alleged corruption within the education sector, a domain that should not only teach knowledge, but also instill moral values and character.

— Budi PrasetyoKPK Spokesperson commenting on the corruption in education.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated he learned of the operation through media reports. He indicated that the ministry is awaiting official information and investigation results from the KPK before initiating any conclusions or administrative measures. "Regarding the law enforcement process, we fully entrust it to the KPK," Brian said, emphasizing that the ministry will monitor developments and conduct internal reviews if necessary.

Regarding the law enforcement process, we fully entrust it to the KPK.

— Brian YuliartoMinister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology on the KPK's investigation.

Brian underscored the importance of integrity, accountability, and public trust in higher education, calling integrity the "main foundation of any university." He expressed hope that the Unsoed academic community would maintain a stable campus environment and continue its regular activities during the legal proceedings.

Integrity is the main foundation of any university.

— Brian YuliartoMinister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology emphasizing the importance of integrity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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