KPK Summons Official in Connection to Case Involving Former Kutai Kartanegara Regent
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Rizal (RZ), the Director of Enforcement and Investigation at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Ministry of Finance, as a witness in the case of alleged money laundering involving the former regent of Kutai Kartanegara, Rita Widyasari.
KPK spokesperson Tessa Mahardhika confirmed the news on Monday (23/12/2024), stating that RZ was summoned as a witness in the case against Rita, who is currently a suspect in the money laundering investigation. However, Mahardhika did not disclose whether RZ had already responded to the summon or the specific questions he would be asked.
The witness summon takes place at KPK’s headquarters, the Red and White Building, on Jl. Kuningan Persada, according to Mahardhika.
Rita initially faced charges of bribery and gratification in 2017, later standing trial and being convicted for gratification. In 2018, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison, fined Rp 600 million, and banned from holding political office for 5 years. The Central Jakarta Corruption Court found Rita guilty of accepting Rp 110 billion in bribes related to permits for a project in Kutai Kartanegara.
Rita attempted to appeal the verdict but was unsuccessful. The Supreme Court rejected her appeal for case review in 2021, and she has since begun serving her sentence at Pondok Bambu Prison.
Besides the gratification case, Rita remains a suspect in the money laundering case. In July 2024, KPK revealed that Rita had also received bribes from mining companies. Directer of KPK’s Investigation Unit Asep Guntur Rahayu disclosed that Rita received USD 5 for every metric ton of coal provided by a company.
Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing case.
