KPK Reveals 2 Witnesses Tried to Block the Investigation of the Pati Regent Sudewo Case

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects that there has been an attempt to hinder the investigation of the extortion case related to the filling of village apparatus positions that ensnared the non-active Regent Pati Sudewo.

KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said there were two witnesses who had been examined to investigate the allegations on Wednesday, March 4. They were Noor Eva Khasanah as Head of the Administrative Sub-Section of the Tambakromo Health Center and Sudiyono who was the Head of the Angkatan Lor Village.

"Investigators are investigating the alleged actions of these two witnesses, which are trying to gather other witnesses and condition the testimony," Budi told reporters, Thursday, March 5.

Budi reminded that efforts to collect witnesses should not be carried out. "This can certainly hinder the ongoing investigation process," he said.

The KPK further ultimatum the witnesses in this extortion case to be cooperative. Don't let anyone try to hinder the process.

"Other witnesses are cooperative by providing honest and complete information to investigators during the examination."

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.

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, namely that the village apparatus formation would not be reopened the following year if the caperdes did not want to hand over the 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.