Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized Rp2.6 billion in cash from Pati Regent Sudewo and three village heads accused of extorting candidates for village official positions. The sting operation occurred on January 19, 2026, in Pati Regency, Central Java. The funds were collected from eight village heads in Jaken subdistrict.
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) launched its third sting operation of 2026 on Monday, January 19, in Pati Regency, Central Java. The agency arrested Pati Regent Sudewo (SDW) and three other village heads: Abdul Suyono (YON) from Karangrowo Village in Jakenan Subdistrict; Sumarjiono (JION) from Arumanis Village in Jaken Subdistrict; and Karjan (JAN) from Sukorukun Village in Jaken Subdistrict.
Following 24 hours of questioning, all four were named suspects in an alleged corruption case involving extortion in the appointment of village officials within Pati Regency's government. KPK secured evidence including Rp2.6 billion in cash, believed to be proceeds from the extortion. The funds were amassed up to January 18, 2026, primarily by Sumarjiono from eight village heads in Jaken Subdistrict.
"The KPK team also secured several pieces of evidence in the form of cash totaling Rp2.6 billion secured from the possession of JAN, JION, YON, and SDW," stated Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu at the KPK's Red and White Building in Jakarta on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Sudewo is accused of setting fees between Rp125 million and Rp150 million for the sale of village official positions. Additionally, KPK named Sudewo a suspect in a separate bribery case related to railway construction and maintenance under the Directorate General of Railways at the Ministry of Transportation. This case highlights ongoing corruption in village-level appointments, which disadvantages honest candidates and undermines local governance.
