Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) officially named Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) Rector Akhmad Sodiq and Vice Rector III for Student Affairs Norman Arie Prayogo as suspects in an extortion and gratuity case tied to new student admissions, according to an announcement on Friday, August 21, 2026. Investigators stated that Sodiq and Norman set a mandatory fee of Rp 650 million for every prospective student applying to the university’s Faculty of Medicine through the independent selection pathway.
KPK Details Extortion Scheme at Faculty of Medicine
According to Plt Direktur Penyidikan KPK Achmad Taufik Husein, Vice Rector Norman ordered two private intermediaries—identified as Dian Mulia Wardhana and Adhi Wiharto—in August 2026 to demand the Rp 650 million fee from parents of prospective medical students. Despite paying the hefty sum, the prospective students failed the independent selection process and were not admitted to Unsoed, prompting angry parents to demand refunds. Because Dian and Adhi had already spent the extortion money on personal expenses, the funds could not be returned immediately.
To resolve the missing refund money, Norman borrowed funds from Mulyono, a private individual who is also Akhmad Sodiq’s nephew. Taufik explained that Norman promised to repay Mulyono by routing three Unsoed campus projects—specifically canopy installation, canteen renovation, and building painting—through Mulyono’s CV. The projects were completed, and payment was subsequently diverted to the private parties involved.
Did You Know? Investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted an operation on Thursday, August 20, 2026, detaining Unsoed Rector Akhmad Sodiq in Jakarta while apprehending Vice Rector Norman Arie Prayogo in Purwokerto.
Additional Gratification and Bargaining Moduses
Beyond the medical faculty admissions, investigators uncovered additional illicit financial flows linked to the campus leadership. According to Taufik, Sodiq collected another Rp 680 million in gratification between 2025 and 2026 through Mulyono. Sodiq used this money to purchase three plots of land registered under Mulyono’s name, establishing Mulyono as both the receiver and manager of funds intended for the rector.
/data/photo/2026/08/21/6a87b98f7e82e.png "Photo: kompas.com")
In a separate modus during the same 2025–2026 period, Sodiq’s subordinate Eko Sumanto—serving as Unsoed’s Head of Academic Affairs—communicated with external brokers who represented parents wanting to secure university admission. Taufik stated that Eko engaged in bargaining over admission fees with these brokers with Sodiq’s knowledge. Once an agreement was reached, Eko collected a total of Rp 1,12 miliar from the brokers. Sodiq then provided Eko with his user ID access to grant system approvals for the paying applicants.
Suspects Detained and Legal Charges Filed
At a press conference at the KPK Red and White Building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, Taufik announced that six individuals faced formal charges based on sufficient evidence. The six suspects are Rector Akhmad Sodiq, Vice Rector III Norman Arie Prayogo, Head of Academic Affairs Eko Sumanto, and private individuals Dian Mulia Wardhana, Adhi Wiharto, and Mulyono. All six suspects were ordered into custody for an initial 20-day detention period at the KPK detention center located within the Red and White Building.
Investigators applied Article 12 letter e or Article 12 B of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption against the suspects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main suspects in the Unsoed admission scandal?
The KPK named six suspects, including Unsoed Rector Akhmad Sodiq, Vice Rector III Norman Arie Prayogo, Head of Academic Affairs Eko Sumanto, and private intermediaries Dian Mulia Wardhana, Adhi Wiharto, and Mulyono.
How much was charged for prospective medical students?
According to investigators, university leadership set a mandatory fee of Rp 650 million for each prospective student applying to the Faculty of Medicine through the independent selection track.
What legal articles were applied to the suspects?
The suspects face allegations under Article 12 letter e or Article 12 B of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption.
How should universities reform their independent admission pathways to prevent similar extortion schemes?
Worth a look