TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Arrest of Klaten regent ‘shameful’, sharp blow to C.Java: Governor
Change Size
For the sake of integrity – Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo (right) inaugurates 17 regional heads elected in 2015 regional elections at Pancasila Square in Simpang Lima, Semarang, on Feb.17.
(thejakartapost.com/Suherdjoko)
C
entral Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has deplored the arrest by Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators of Klaten Regent Sri Hartini on suspicion of bribery, saying it was “shameful” and a sharp blow to the province as it was striving hard to push forward corruption eradication efforts.
“If this information is accurate, it shows that we are a nation that never learns from past experience,” the governor said in Semarang on Friday.
Sri Hatini was one of 17 regents elected in simultaneous elections in regencies across Central Java on Dec.9, 2015. After their inauguration on Feb.17, the regents were sent to attend an anti-corruption education program at the KPK headquarters in Jakarta. The new leaders also signed an integrity pact as part of their oath that they would never engage in corruption.
KPK investigators allegedly caught Sri Hartini red-handed as she accepted bribes on Friday morning. KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo confirmed the arrest but did not provide further details on the case or whether there were other arrests.
On Oct.15, the KPK arrested six people in Kebumen regency, also in Central Java, including lawmaker Yudhy Tri Hartanto and Kebumen Tourism Agency official Sigit Widodo, during an investigation into alleged bribery involving projects worth Rp 4.8 billion (US$ 368,947.20) funded by the revised 2016 regional budget through the Kebumen Youth and Sports Agency. The case also involved a Kebumen administration’s regional secretariat official who is currently being detained.
“It’s very shocking. People will eventually believe that we are only talk and are not serious about eradicating corruption in Central Java,” said Ganjar. (ebf)
