KPK Discovers 4 Safes During Raids on 2 Homes in Kaltim Linked to IUP"</strong></p>”>Awang Faroek Ishak Passes Away; KPK Halts Corruption Investigation
Jakarta – Former Kalimantan Timur (Kaltim) Governor Awang Faroek Ishak has passed away. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has halted its investigation into alleged corruption involving mining business permits (IUP) in Kaltim.
It has been reported that Awang Faroek was prevented from leaving the country since September 24, 2024. However, the KPK has not yet disclosed the details of the case. The news of his passing was first announced by the Kaltim Provincial Government.
Awang Faroek, who served as governor of Kaltim for two terms from 2008 to 2018, passed away at RSUD Kanujoso Djatiwibowo Hospital in Balikpappan on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 9:00 PM WITA. Since 2014, he had been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a nerve disorder that causes partial paralysis of the face. His body will be laid to rest in Tenggarong today.
Born in Tenggarong on January 31, 1948, Awang Faroek was the 11th child of Awang Ishak and Dayang Johariah, both respected civil servants in Kaltim. He was 76 years old.
KPK Issues SP3 in Awang Faroek’s Case
Following Awang Faroek’s passing, the KPK willissue a Surat Perintah Penghentian Penyidikan (SP3), formally terminating the investigation into his case. KPK Chairperson Tessa Mahardhika confirmed on Monday, December 23, 2024, that the SP3 will be issued after the death certificate is received and processed administratively.
Tessa expressed his condolences, saying, "We are saddened by the passing of Awang Faroek Ishak. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family." KPK has been investigating corruption allegations related to IUP in Kaltim.
Awang Faroek began his career in the Kaltim Governor’s Office in 1973. He later served as Deputy Chancellor III of the University of Mulawarman in 1978 and Dean of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training in 1982. He was a member of the DPR/MPR RI for two terms, from 1987 to 1997.
Prior to becoming governor, Awang Faroek served as Acting Regent of Kutai Timur (1999-2000) and was subsequently elected as the definite regent for two terms (2000-2008). He then served as governor of Kaltim from 2008 to 2018 and as a member of the DPR RI from the NasDem Party from 2019 to 2024. However, his vote share declined in the 2024 general elections.
KPK Raids in Kaltim
In a related development, KPK conducted raids on two properties in Kaltim in connection with the alleged corruption involving IUP. The raids, conducted on October 22, 2024, targeted two houses in Kutai Kertanegara Regency and one house in Samarinda City.
Tessa confirmed the raids on Thursday, October 24, 2024, stating that they were part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged corruption involving IUP in Kaltim. KPK had previously issued travel bans against three individuals, including Awang Faroek, in connection with the case.
KPK has named three suspects in the case but has not yet provided further details on the progress of the investigation.
