The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detained former People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Secretary-General Ma’ruf Cahyono on Thursday, one year after he was named a suspect in a procurement corruption case. Authorities allege that Cahyono solicited kickbacks totaling approximately Rp 30 billion ($1.7 million) from contractors during his tenure at the MPR Secretariat from 2019 to 2021.
Allegations of Systemic Kickbacks at the MPR Secretariat
KPK Investigation Director Achmad Taufik Husein stated that the investigation centers on a recurring scheme where prospective contractors were required to pay a 10% fee of the total project value to secure contracts with the MPR Secretariat. Investigators allege that Cahyono personally received roughly Rp 7 billion of these funds, either directly or through an intermediary identified as Zakaria.
The remaining illicit payments were reportedly funneled through two primary channels: a brokerage trading account holding Rp 14.4 billion and a bank account linked to an office-supplies company containing Rp 16.4 billion. According to the KPK, these combined accounts represent the total sum of the gratuities under investigation.
The KPK investigation into Ma’ruf Cahyono began in June 2025, with the official suspect designation following one month later in July. Despite this timeline, the commission did not execute the formal detention of the former secretary-general until nearly a year after he was initially named a suspect.
Asset Seizures and Alleged Personal Expenditures
As the investigation proceeds, the KPK has seized a variety of assets believed to be linked to the illicit funds. These items include a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, a Brompton bicycle, a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold smartphone, and a guitar valued at Rp 10 million. Investigators also recovered an undisclosed amount of cash.
Evidence gathered by the commission suggests that a portion of the proceeds was used to cover personal expenses. Specifically, officials allege that funds were diverted to finance a wedding for the suspect’s child in November 2020 and to conduct a Rp 1.9 billion renovation of a private residence in Depok.
The detention of a former MPR secretary-general underscores the KPK’s focus on procurement integrity within legislative support bodies. The use of brokerage and corporate accounts to mask the flow of kickbacks suggests an effort to conceal the origin of funds, which may complicate the legal proceedings as prosecutors work to link specific contract awards to the illicit payments.
Legal Status and Potential Next Steps
Following his detention, Ma’ruf Cahyono was seen leaving the interrogation room in handcuffs while wearing the KPK’s standard orange detention vest. When questioned by reporters, he stated that he had answered investigators’ inquiries and provided an explanation to clarify the situation, though he declined to offer further details.
While the KPK has now moved to detain the suspect, the case remains in the investigatory phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the role of the intermediary identified as Zakaria?
According to the KPK, Zakaria acted as an intermediary through whom Ma’ruf Cahyono allegedly received a portion of the Rp 7 billion in kickbacks.
What percentage did contractors reportedly have to pay to secure deals?
Investigators allege that prospective contractors were required to pay a fee equivalent to approximately 10% of the total project value to the MPR Secretariat.
How long did Ma’ruf Cahyono serve as MPR Secretary-General?
Ma’ruf Cahyono served as the Secretary-General of the People’s Consultative Assembly from 2019 to 2021.
