Due to illness, Sidoarjo Regent cancels KPK investigation as suspect

"Today, the Regent of Sidoarjo was unable to attend the call for questioning by the KPK due to illness," said Mustofa when contacted on Friday (19/4/2024).

Also read: After the Election, the Corruption Eradication Committee Names the Regent of Sidoarjo as a Suspect in the Regency Government BPPD Case

Today, the Regent of Sidoarjo was unable to attend the summons for an inspection by the Corruption Eradication Committee due to illness.

According to Mustofa, on Friday morning, his party had submitted a letter requesting a postponement of the examination of Muhdlor to the KPK.

Also read: Questioning OTT Evidence, Sidoarjo Regent Explores Pretrial

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has scheduled Muhdlor to be questioned regarding the alleged withholding and receipt of money within the Regional Tax Service Agency (BPPD) of the Sidoarjo Regency Government at the KPK Red and White Building, Jakarta, on Friday at 10.00 WIB. Based onKompas's monitoring, as of 14.00 WIB, Muhdlor was not seen present at the KPK building.

Separately, Head of the KPK News Section, Ali Fikri, said that so far there had been no confirmation of Muhdlor's presence at the KPK Building. Regarding the request from Muhdlor's legal advisor, namely a postponement of the examination, Ali said he would check the letter first. "We'll check and update again, OK," he said.

Previously, the KPK had named Sidoarjo Regent Ahmad Muhdlor Ali as a new suspect in the corruption case on Tuesday (16/4/2024). He is suspected of being involved in withholding and receiving tax incentive money and regional levies at BPPD Sidoarjo Regency, East Java.

The case began with the Corruption Eradication Commission's investigation into allegations of incentive cuts for civil servants in the tax office. The crime occurred at the Sidoarjo Regional Tax Office.

Also read: Unfortunate fate of Sidoarjo, three regents caught in corruption

On January 25, 2024, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation involving 11 civil servants in BPPD with evidence of cash amounting to IDR 69.9 million. The sting operation, which took place three weeks before the 2024 election, revealed alleged manipulation of fees of at least IDR 2.7 billion. Siska Wati, Head of Administration and General Affairs at BPPD, became the first suspect. The KPK investigation subsequently led to Muhdlor.

On February 16, 2024, Muhdlor appeared as a witness for questioning at the KPK Merah Putih Building. A week after the questioning, the Head of BPPD, Ari Suryono, became a suspect and was detained.

Also read: Suspect Status, Ahmad Muhdlor Ali Still Leads Sidoarjo

On March 19, 2024, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) issued a notification letter regarding the commencement of an investigation (SPDP). The KPK is investigating Muhdlor's involvement in a corruption case at the Sidoarjo Regional Development Bank (BPPD). On Tuesday (6/16/2024), the KPK confirmed Muhdlor's status as a suspect.

It should be noted that this case also garnered public attention because following the KPK's arrest in Sidoarjo, Muhdlor changed his political support for the 2024 presidential election. Prior to the arrest, Muhdlor, who is a member of PKB, had campaigned for his party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar. However, after the KPK's arrest, Muhdlor shifted his support to presidential and vice-presidential candidates Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka.