KPK Says Corruption Modus Continues to Develop: We Can't Work Alone 

DOK VOI

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said it could not work alone in eradicating corruption. The modus operandi carried out by the perpetrators continues to evolve so that it needs to be anticipated together by all parties.

This was conveyed by KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when asked about the handover of money in sacks allegedly related to extortion for filling village apparatus positions that were found during the Pati Regent's hand-in-hand operation (OTT).

"If we talk about corruption, the pattern is indeed continuing to develop. This is what we continue to anticipate, of course, we also continue to improve and collaborate with related stakeholders," Budi told reporters, quoted on Friday, January 23.

"Because if we talk about eradicating corruption, the KPK cannot do it alone. We must embrace many parties," he continued.

Not only that, the KPK was also upset with the extortion carried out by Sudewo together with three village heads who were his success team. "People have to give something to be able to contribute to community services as village cadres," said Budi.

The KPK is known to have found money worth Rp. 2.6 billion when arresting Sudewo et al on Monday, January 19. Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, explained that the money was in a state of disarray because it was collected from the party who was extorted.

"So this money is collected from several people, put in a sack. ... green sack. Put in a sack like carrying rice," Asep told reporters as quoted from the KPK's official YouTube, Wednesday, January 21.

This sack, still said Asep, was used not for any particular reason. "Maybe he wants to be difficult, yes, the money. Maybe," he said.

The money in the sack consists of various denominations, such as Rp100 thousand. "It was carried (in, red) in a sack and there was no tie but some used rubber," explained Asep, who also served as the Director of KPK Investigation.

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

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.