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Tegal mayor’s arrest a ‘heavy blow’ to Central Java: Governor
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Under investigation: A journalist takes a picture of a crime scene seal placed by Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators on the door of Tegal Mayor Siti Masitha Soeparno's office during a search on Aug.29. (Antara/Oky Lukmansyah)
C
entral Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has called the arrest of Tegal Mayor Siti Masitha Soeparno during a sting operation launched by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators on Tuesday a “heavy blow” to the province.
“For me, Central Java has been hit again because this [the arrest] happened not without a warning. We have seen this before,” he said on as quoted by Antara on Wednesday, referring to previous arrests of Central Java officials for corruption.
Ganjar said he was planning to gather all regional heads in Central Java in a consolidation meeting as part of his efforts to prevent the spread of corruption.
“We will meet to discuss what has happened to us, that we would continue to commit such practices. I have warned all regents and mayors,” said Ganjar, adding that the province would be entering a transparent and accountable era for all parties.
“It will be longer common for officials [to accept bribes and commit corruption] because there are big risks they may face.”
(Read also: KPK arrests Tegal mayor Siti Masitha)
Siti Masitha was arrested at her official residence in the City Hall complex on Jl. Gede Sedayu, Tegal, on Tuesday evening. Before the arrest, KPK investigators sealed offices at Kardinah Regional General Hospital (RSUD).
It is suspected that the mayor’s arrest is related to the construction of an intensive care unit (ICU) facility at the hospital.
Siti Masitha was inaugurated as Tegal mayor on March 23, 2014. Her predecessor, Ikmal Jaya, was sent to prison in 2015 for corruption surrounding a botched land procurement case. (afr/ebf)
