Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Rohidin Mersyah, the Governor of Bengkulu, as a suspect in an extortion and gratuity scheme. The governor allegedly mobilized top officials from various regional organizations (OPDs) and bureau chiefs to collect funds for his re-election campaign in the upcoming Bengkulu gubernatorial race.
In a statement, KPK Deputy Chair Alexander Marwata revealed that the incident dates back to July 2024, when Rohidin reportedly called for financial support and regional coordinators to back his candidacy for the November 2024 simultaneous regional elections.
Following this, Isnan Fajri (IF), Bengkulu’s Regional Secretary, convened heads of OPDs and bureau chiefs to solicit contributions for Rohidin’s campaign efforts. “The directive was to support RM’s program as he sought re-election as Governor of Bengkulu,” Marwata explained.
Misuse of Public Funds
Several agency heads allegedly diverted public funds to meet the demands.
- SF, Head of the Fisheries Department, handed over IDR 200 million to Rohidin via his aide (EV), reportedly to secure his position and avoid being reassigned.
- TS, Head of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), collected IDR 500 million by cutting budgets for office supplies, travel expenses, and employee allowances.
- SD, Head of Education and Culture, amassed IDR 2.9 billion. Rohidin allegedly instructed SD to expedite disbursing salaries for contract teachers and staff across Bengkulu province before November 27, 2024.
In October 2024, FEP, Head of the Bureau of Governance and Welfare, delivered IDR 1.4 billion in donations gathered from various task forces in Bengkulu City. The funds were reportedly handed to Rohidin through his aide, EF, known as Anca.
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Legal Actions
The KPK summoned the implicated individuals to its headquarters in Jakarta for further questioning. Following investigations, three individuals were formally named as suspects:
- Rohidin Mersyah (RM), Governor of Bengkulu.
- Isnan Fajri (IF), Bengkulu’s Regional Secretary.
- EF alias Anca, the governor’s aide.
These allegations highlight a disturbing misuse of public resources for personal political ambitions, undermining public trust in governance. The KPK’s actions underscore its commitment to holding public officials accountable for corruption and misuse of power.
Further legal proceedings are underway as the KPK works to unravel the full scope of the scheme.
(Becky)
