KPK Expands Madiun Mayor Case: Gratification and Money Laundering Enter Investigation Radar

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has opened a new chapter in its handling of the corruption case in the Madiun City Government. The anti-graft agency has not stopped at the extortion case that ensnared inactive Mayor Maidi, but is now investigating alleged gratification and money laundering (TPPU) involving the local city government.

The move was taken after investigators found indications of other criminal acts while probing the main case. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said the investigation was expanded because of findings of alleged gratification and money laundering. "Investigators expanded the investigation after finding criminal acts, alleged gratification and money laundering," Budi said in a written message, Wednesday (23/9).

What sets this handling apart is the use of a general investigation order (Sprindik). With that model, the KPK does not name suspects from the outset; the identity of those to be charged will be determined as the investigation proceeds. The new Sprindik was issued in September 2026. This approach gives investigators room to trace fund flows more broadly before determining who is responsible.

On the same day, the KPK summoned five people for questioning at the State Treasury Service Office (KPPN) in Madiun City. They are Wawan Edy Susetyo (private sector), Tri Handoko (private employee), Tutik Sariwati (housewife), Siti Ulfah Syah alias Ulfa Mumtazah (owner of Butik Ulfa Mumtaza), and Agung Triwinarto (private sector). The mix of witnesses—businesspeople, workers, and a housewife—suggests investigators are tracing transaction routes that may involve more than formal officials.

The case is an expansion of the case that ensnared Maidi. In a hearing at the Surabaya Corruption Court on Thursday (17/9) night, KPK prosecutors sought a sentence of seven years and two months in prison for Maidi. Prosecutors found Maidi guilty of violating Article 12 letter e and Article 12B of the Corruption Eradication Law. Beyond the prison term, Maidi is also being asked to pay Rp8,005,384,790 in restitution. If unable to pay, a five-year prison sentence awaits.

"Seeking a prison sentence of seven years and two months for Defendant Maidi and restitution of Rp8,005,384,790. If it cannot be paid, it will be replaced with a 5-year prison sentence," said Prosecutor Palupi in the Cakra Room of the Surabaya Corruption Court.

The extortion case under the guise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and gratification related to licensing in Madiun serves as the foundation for the KPK to uncover possible similar practices. This pattern often becomes an entry point for investigators to trace whether other parties received fund flows or enjoyed facilities from officials' policies. The presence of witnesses from the business world and a boutique owner may be an early indication of money laundering routes, for instance through asset purchases or unusual business transactions.

For the local public, this development is a test of the commitment to fighting corruption at the local level. Madiun, as an autonomous city, has strategic licensing authority. If the alleged gratification and money laundering are proven, it would not only damage local governance but also potentially create a broader deterrent effect for other regional heads. The KPK appears to want to ensure no party is immune from the law, including those who have been operating behind the scenes.

Going forward, attention will focus on who will be named a suspect under the new Sprindik. The public is also waiting to see whether this investigation will uncover a larger network or stop at Maidi's inner circle. What is clear is that the KPK's move to expand the investigation signals that the Madiun case will not fade anytime soon.