Gowa Regent Sitti Husniah Talenrang has been named a suspect in a corruption investigation involving extortion, gratuities, and money laundering tied to licensing processes between 2025 and 2026. Announced by the South Sulawesi Regional Police during a September 28, 2026, press conference in Makassar, the joint probe involves the National Police’s Corruption Crime Directorate, the South Sulawesi Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, and the Gowa Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit.
Investigation Details and Witness Questioning
South Sulawesi Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Didik Supranoto stated that investigators reached the suspect designation after conducting a series of investigative activities, including case reviews, searches, and the examination of witnesses and experts. Authorities have questioned approximately 30 witnesses and four experts during the inquiry. Investigators also searched several locations, including the Gowa Regent’s Office and the Gowa Regent’s Official Residence, securing relevant documents and electronic evidence.
Four Series of Events Under Investigation
Police outlined four distinct series of events forming the core of the investigation into Sitti Husniah. The first involves Approval for Conformity of Space Utilization Activities (PKKPR) for housing developments, where investigators are examining alleged fund transfers of IDR 100 million from PT Royal Persada and IDR 50 million from PT Renjana through an intermediary. The second series centers on Indomaret outlet openings in Gowa Regency, where Sitti Husniah allegedly directed processing through an associate named HA, requesting IDR 85 million per outlet under the guise of CSR. Police stated these funds totaled IDR 850 million, with portions allegedly used to purchase a Toyota Hiace unit and make payments on a private house in the Waterfront Makassar area.
:quality(30):format(webp):focal(0.5x0.5:0.5x0.5)/medan/foto/bank/originals/bupati-gowa-sitti.jpg "Gowa Regent Sitti Husniah Talenrang Named Suspect in Corruption Case")
The third focus area concerns Building Approval (PBG) processing for the Royal Spring Housing complex, involving an alleged request for a house initially priced at IDR 1.4 billion that was acquired with a 70 percent discount for approximately IDR 420 million under another party’s name. Investigators are tracing payments for this property to a company involved in the 2025 Gowa Regency Health Office ambulance procurement project worth approximately IDR 3.8 billion. The fourth series involves an alleged request for IDR 100 million in sponsorship funds from Indomaret for the Beautiful Malino event, which was transferred to an event organizer.
Did You Know? The investigation spans multiple high-profile infrastructure and commercial initiatives in the region, ranging from housing approvals and retail outlet rollouts to a 2025 health office ambulance procurement project valued at approximately IDR 3.8 billion.
Asset Seizures and Legal Statutes Applied
Authorities have seized multiple assets connected to the case, including a house in the Royal Spring area worth approximately IDR 1.4 billion, a house in the Waterfront Makassar area worth approximately IDR 3.5 billion, and a 2025 Toyota Hiace valued at approximately IDR 682 million. Investigators continue to trace the broader flow of funds. Against Sitti Husniah, investigators applied Article 12 letter e and/or Article 12B of the Corruption Eradication Law alongside Article 20 letter c and Article 126 of the National Criminal Code, as well as Article 607 paragraph (1) letter a of the National Criminal Code regarding alleged money laundering.
Next Steps and Potential Additional Suspects
Head of Sub-Directorate III of the Corruption Crime Directorate, Police Grand Commissioner Adjutant Jufri, outlined follow-up measures that include notifying the Minister of Home Affairs and the Governor of South Sulawesi about Sitti Husniah’s legal status, requesting a travel ban, and issuing a summons for her questioning as a suspect. Police have not ruled out additional suspects. Jufri noted that authorities are deepening inquiries into other potential parties involved, including individuals suspected of attempting to intervene or hinder the investigation by approaching or influencing witnesses. Meanwhile, Sitti Husniah’s legal team stated an intention to pursue a pretrial motion to challenge the suspect designation through available legal mechanisms while respecting the ongoing legal process.
Allegations and investigating units facing Sitti Husniah Talenrang
What specific charges are facing the Gowa Regent?
Sitti Husniah Talenrang faces allegations of extortion, gratuities, and money laundering related to licensing processes between 2025 and 2026, under articles from the Corruption Eradication Law and the National Criminal Code.
Which law enforcement units are conducting the probe?
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the National Police’s Corruption Crime Directorate, the South Sulawesi Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, and the Gowa Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit.
What assets have been seized during the investigation?
Police have seized a house in the Royal Spring area worth approximately IDR 1.4 billion, a house in the Waterfront Makassar area worth approximately IDR 3.5 billion, and a 2025 Toyota Hiace worth approximately IDR 682 million.
How will these developments affect administrative stability and future licensing oversight in Gowa Regency?
Keep reading