KPK: Ex-Cilacap Regent's Suspect Designation Followed Procedure

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has asserted that the designation of former Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman as a suspect adhered strictly to legal procedures. Natalia Kristianto, acting head of the Litigation and Legal Affairs Bureau at the KPK, stated that the process aligns with the Criminal Procedure Code and the KPK Law.

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There were several items we obtained: money, a cellphone, and so on. We brought them to Jakarta and conducted examinations, still in the investigation phase.

The investigation commenced following a public report, which led to an arrest operation on March 13, 2026. During this operation, the KPK secured various items, including money and mobile phones, which were subsequently brought to Jakarta for examination. Kristianto explained that investigators presented their findings, including evidence of criminal acts supported by at least two valid pieces of evidence, to the KPK leadership during an internal review meeting (ekspose).

Following the leadership's agreement, the case was escalated to the investigation stage. A general investigation order was issued, initially without naming a suspect. During this phase, evidence seized during the arrest, such as the items from Cilacap, was formalized. Kristianto emphasized that the suspect designation occurred only after investigators had gathered strong evidence, formalized during the investigation stage. The status of individuals brought from Cilacap to Jakarta was elevated from examinees to witnesses before they were officially named suspects.

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At least two pieces of evidence, even more if reported by the investigators. The review was presented to the leadership, and the leadership agreed to escalate it to the investigation stage.

Syamsul Auliya Rachman, along with the Regional Secretary of Cilacap Regency, Sadmoko Danardo, was named a suspect in an alleged extortion scheme involving holiday allowances. The KPK conducted a covert operation after receiving a complaint about the collection of funds for these allowances. Sadmoko reportedly acted under Syamsul's orders. KPK investigators indicated that Sadmoko had discussed the fund collection with several regional officials, setting a target of Rp 750 million from 25 regional perangkat daerah.

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After the suspect designation, to follow up further, we issued a Sprindik (investigation order) in the name of...