Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects more than one money collector per subdistrict in Pati Regency, Central Java, in a corruption case involving extortion for village official positions that ensnares former Regent Sudewo. Investigators are probing the background of 601 vacant positions and the budgeting for their salaries from village funds. Examinations of the acting regent and several witnesses aim to clarify the process.
The corruption case in Pati Regency emerged after Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation on January 19, 2026, leading to the arrest of Regent Sudewo (SDW) and seven others. The following day, on January 20, 2026, KPK named four suspects: Sudewo, village head Abdul Suyono (YON) of Karangrowo in Jakenan subdistrict, village head Sumarjiono (JION) of Arumanis in Jaken subdistrict, and village head Karjan (JAN) of Sukorukun in Jaken subdistrict. They are alleged to have engaged in extortion targeting aspiring village officials.
Sudewo was also designated a suspect in a separate case involving bribes for railway construction and maintenance under the Ministry of Transportation. KPK investigators are now scrutinizing why 601 village official positions remain vacant across 21 subdistricts in Pati. "Why are there over 600 formations for prospective village officials empty in Pati across its 21 subdistricts? We are certainly delving into this," said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo on February 4, 2026.
The commission is also examining the stages of position filling and salary budgeting starting March 2026, funded by village allocations. On February 3, 2026, investigators questioned Acting Regent Risma Ardhi Chandra (RAC) as a witness regarding the salary plan. Additionally, nine other witnesses were examined, including subdistrict heads such as ML from Margoyoso, SUJ from Cluwak, IR from Tayu, AS from Sukolilo, IS from Kayen, DR from Pati City, as well as FIT (a housewife), SUY (village head of Tambakharjo), and RYS (former Pati regional secretary).
Furthermore, KPK suspects more than one extortion money collector per subdistrict, based on the capture of three in Jaken subdistrict who are now suspects. "In one subdistrict, it's possible there is more than one collector. We are still deepening this," Prasetyo stated. The probe aims to map fund flows and ensure no further irregularities in village position management.
