Sidoarjo Regent Gus Muhdlor Summoned as Suspect in Corruption Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Sidoarjo Regent Ahmad Muhdlor Ali as a suspect in a corruption case involving the cutting and receiving of incentives for local taxes within the civil servant apparatus of the Sidoarjo Regional Tax Service Agency (BPPD). Muhdlor has been asked to comply with the investigator's summons and attend his first interrogation on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Previously, Muhdlor was questioned as a witness for the suspects Siska Wati, the Head of the General and Personnel Subdivision of the BPPD Sidoarjo, and Ari Suryono, the Head of the BPPD Sidoarjo. The KPK has already arrested Siska Wati through a hand arrest operation, where they discovered Rp69.9 million. Siska allegedly cut a total of around Rp. 2.7 billion since 2023, and the notification of the money cut was done verbally, with employees not allowed to discuss it via text message.

The KPK has reminded Muhdlor to appear as scheduled to show his commitment to respecting and complying with the ongoing legal process. Muhdlor has also filed a pre-trial motion, which the KPK says will only address the formal administrative requirements of the investigation and not the substance of the case, which will be examined in the corruption court.

The KPK has urged Muhdlor to be cooperative and appear for the scheduled interrogation to provide an opportunity for him to explain the details of the case directly to the KPK investigators. The commission has also appreciated Muhdlor's efforts to file a pretrial request, stating that it is the right of the suspect and a form of control over the work of KPK investigators.

Why this matters: The summoning of a high-ranking regional official as a suspect in a corruption case highlights the ongoing efforts by the KPK to combat graft and abuse of power at all levels of government in Indonesia. The outcome of this case could have implications for public trust in local administrations and the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.

As the investigation continues, the KPK remains committed to uncovering the full extent of the alleged corruption within the Sidoarjo Regional Tax Service Agency. The commission has emphasized that while Muhdlor has the right to file a pretrial motion, it is crucial for him to cooperate with investigators and provide a direct explanation of the issues related to the case. The KPK has assured that the substance of the case will be thoroughly tested in the corruption court.

Key Takeaways

• Sidoarjo Regent Ahmad Muhdlor Ali summoned as corruption suspect by KPK.
• Alleged corruption involves cutting and receiving incentives for local taxes.
• KPK has already arrested Siska Wati, head of BPPD Sidoarjo personnel division.
• Muhdlor filed a pretrial motion, but KPK says substance will be examined in court.
• Case highlights KPK's efforts to combat graft at all levels of government in Indonesia.