The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially named Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman as a suspect in an alleged extortion case, a development that has sent shockwaves through the local administration. He was implicated alongside Cilacap Regional Secretary (Sekda) Sadmoko Danardono.
This significant legal action was announced by KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, during a press conference at the commission’s office on Saturday, March 14. Rahayu stated, “The KPK has subsequently escalated this case to the investigative stage and designated two individuals as suspects: Mr. AUL (Syamsul Auliya Rachman) as the Cilacap Regent for the 2025-2030 period, and Mr. SAD (Sadmoko Danardono) as the Cilacap Regency Regional Secretary.”
Both high-ranking officials face serious charges under Article 12 letters e and/or Article 12B of the Anti-Corruption Law (UU Tipikor), read in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law 1 No. 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP). These stringent legal provisions underscore the gravity of the alleged offenses.
According to ongoing investigations, Syamsul is suspected of having orchestrated a sophisticated scheme, directing Sadmoko to illicitly collect holiday bonus (THR) money. This substantial fund was purportedly intended for distribution to external parties, specifically the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) within the Cilacap Regency Government, pointing to a potential misuse of public office for personal gain or influence.
Further details reveal that Sadmoko, in collaboration with Sumbowo, Assistant I for Cilacap Regency, Ferry Adhi, Assistant II, and Budi Santoso, Assistant III, reportedly discussed the financial requirements for these external THR payments. They allegedly settled on a figure of Rp 515 million. To meet this sum, they then purportedly targeted a much larger collection, aiming for a total of Rp 750 million from various regional apparatus units under their authority.
The alleged operation’s scale is considerable, involving a wide network of local government bodies. Asep Guntur Rahayu highlighted that Cilacap Regency encompasses 25 Regional Apparatus Units, 2 General Regional Hospitals, and 20 Community Health Centers (Puskesmas), all of which were reportedly pressured to contribute. Syamsul allegedly set a strict deadline for these payments, specifically March 13, 2026, and enforced his demands by instructing the Head of the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) and the Head of the Food Agency to intervene and pursue non-compliant units.
The enforcement of these demands led to varying amounts being deposited by the regional apparatus units, with contributions ranging from Rp 3 million to Rp 100 million. However, the alleged illicit collection was cut short before reaching its intended destination. Between March 9 and March 13, a significant total of Rp 610 million had already been amassed from 23 regional apparatus units. This substantial sum, intended for the Sekda to forward to the Regent, was ultimately intercepted by the KPK during a swift sting operation (Operasi Tangkap Tangan), preventing its final delivery and bringing the alleged corruption to light.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman and Regional Secretary Sadmoko Danardono as suspects in an alleged extortion case. Syamsul purportedly orchestrated a scheme, directing Sadmoko to illicitly collect holiday bonus (THR) money from various regional apparatus units. This fund was intended for distribution to external parties, specifically the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).
Investigations reveal that officials aimed to collect Rp 750 million, targeting 25 regional apparatus units, hospitals, and health centers. Between March 9 and March 13, a total of Rp 610 million was amassed from 23 units, with contributions ranging from Rp 3 million to Rp 100 million. However, the KPK intercepted this substantial sum during a sting operation, preventing its final delivery and uncovering the alleged corruption.