KPK Searches Cilacap Regional Secretariat Complex

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators searched a number of rooms in the Wijayakusuma Sakti Pendopo complex or the District Secretariat (Setda) of Cilacap Regency, Central Java.

The search was carried out after the KPK named Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman and Cilacap Regional Secretary (Sekda) Sadmoko Danardono as suspects in the alleged extortion case related to the request for Eid allowance (THR).

The two were previously netted in a hand-in-hand operation (OTT) carried out by the KPK on Friday (13/3). A day later, the KPK named the two as suspects after conducting an intensive examination.

Based on information collected at the location, the KPK investigation team arrived at the Cilacap Government Office complex since Monday morning by boarding a number of minibus-type vehicles escorted by police officers.

Upon arrival at the pendopo courtyard, all the gates of the setda complex were immediately closed and no one was allowed to enter except for KPK vehicles involved in the investigation process.

From a distance, a number of investigators were seen entering and exiting several rooms in the Cilacap Regional Secretariat complex. The rooms that were the target of the search included the Cilacap Regent's work room, the secretary's room and the secretary's assistant's room.

A number of investigators appeared to be carrying files and documents that were suspected to be related to the case being handled. In addition, several investigators were also seen carrying suitcases that were suspected to contain important documents as part of the investigation process.

When confirmed by reporters, Acting (Plt.) Cilacap Regent Ammy Amalia Fatma Surya confirmed that the KPK investigators had searched a number of rooms in the Cilacap Secretariat complex.

"The office space of the regent. Then the assistants 1, 2, 3sekda. Yesterday it was sealed, today (16/3) it was searched," he said.

According to him, the search is part of the investigation stage that investigators usually carry out to find and collect additional evidence that is relevant to the case.

If during the process documents are found that are considered related to the case, the documents can be seized accompanied by the preparation of a seizure report in accordance with legal provisions.

"If there are indeed documents that need to be seized, the KPK will make a seizure report. If not, only a search report, then the seal will be opened so that office activities can resume," said Ammy.

He assessed that the legal process that is currently underway is likely to last quite a long time.

In handling cases, he said, investigators usually call more than one witness to strengthen the evidence.

According to him, the possibility of developing the case is still open, including the possibility of additional witnesses and new suspects.

"It will definitely continue with a search for additional documents or supporting evidence, there will likely be additional witnesses. There may even be additional suspects, we don't know yet," he said.

According to Ammy, the entire legal process will continue until the case file is complete and then forwarded to the court for trial.