Before OTT, the KPK Actually Monitors Pati Regent Sudewo Since November

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has monitored the movement of Pati Regent Sudewa or Sudewo since November last year. This process was carried out after there were reports related to alleged extortion for filling village apparatus positions in Pati Regency.

"Indeed, from the beginning we have been monitoring the development. In November we received information regarding the plan (extortion, ed)," said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to reporters at the KPK Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Thursday, January 22.

Budi did not specify when the report was received by the KPK. However, he said that the investigation and analysis were carried out at that time until the team received additional information.

"We received information about the alleged transaction plan, so we arrested the alleged perpetrators who were caught in the act of committing the crime of extortion," he said.

Budi asked the Pati community and parties who knew the alleged extortion related to filling in the position device to dare to report to the KPK so that this rampant practice could be thoroughly investigated considering that the hand caught was only known in Jakenan District.

"Please report, convey the information to the KPK," said Budi.

As previously reported, the KPK named Sudewo as the Regent of Pati as a suspect in alleged extortion of filling village apparatus positions with Abdul Suyono (YON) as the Karangrowo Kades, Jakenan District; Sumarjiono (JION) as the Arumanis Kades, Jakenan District; and Karjan (JAN) as the Sukorukun Kades, Jakenan District.

Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, said that the tariff of Rp. 165-225 million must be paid by the prospective village apparatus (caperdes). This figure is said to have been marked up by Abdul Suyono and Sumarjiono from Rp. 125-150 million.

There was also a threat that the village apparatus formation would not be reopened the following year if they did not want to hand over money.

During the silent operation, the KPK then secured Rp2.6 billion which had previously been stored in sacks.

As a result of his actions, Sudewo and his colleagues were suspected of violating Article 12 letter e of Law No. 31 of 1999 as amended by Law No. 20 of 2001 jo Article 20 letter c of the Criminal Code.

They were also detained for the first 20 days at the KPK Detention Center. This detention will be extended as needed by investigators.