KPK arrests Tegal mayor Siti Masitha

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Tue, August 29, 2017

Investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested on Tuesday Siti Masitha Soeparno, the mayor of Tegal in Cental Java on allegation of corruption.

KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo has confirmed about the anti-graft body's operation in Central Java, but he declined to give details regarding the arrest.

"The arrest took place in Central Java. Let's wait [for the details to be revealed in] a press conference," Agus said on Tuesday evening, as quoted by kompas.com. Siti was believed to be arrested while chairing a meeting at the city hall of Tegal.KPK is planning to announce her arrest on Wednesday.

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo also confirmed that Siti had been apprehended by the KPK on Thursday.

"I have given warnings that their places are not beyond reach. They are constantly monitored," Ganjar said as quoted by tempo.co.

Siti is not the first mayor of Tegal to face an investigation by the anti-graft body. Her predecessor, Ikmal Jaya was sent to prison in 2015 for corruption surrounding a botched land procurement case.


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From the same paper..,

Non-governmental activists in Tegal, Central Java staged a protest on Wednesday to express their happiness over the arrest of Tegal mayor Siti Mashita Soeparno on allegation of corruption.

Some of the protesters chanted slogans to express their dislike towards what the considered as Siti's arrogance, while others were setting off fireworks.

"We're relieved now because her policies as mayor have been oppressive," said Yusqon, a spokesman for a group who called themselves the Committee to Save Tegal Municipality.

Yusqon said as quoted by tempo.co that some of Siti's policies that he considered arrogant was when the mayor decided to punish city officials who opposed some of her decisions.

The latest decision from Siti that the group could not tolerate was her move to strip deputy mayor Nur Sholeh of his authority. Siti had a rocky relationship with her deputy throughout her tenure.

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.



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From the same paper,

Tegal mayor’s arrest a ‘heavy blow’ to Central Java: Governor

Semarang, Central Java, Wed, August 30, 2017

Central 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 Antaraon 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.”

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.


(Tjonge, me thinks Bung Ganjar meant "honesty is the better policy" rather than " because there are big risks they may face.” or not? So much for their pocket-money!) siK' comment


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