Kortas Tipidkor Denies Interference in Gowa Regent Case, Reveals Four Extortion Schemes
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- Kortas Tipidkor Polri menegaskan tidak ada tekanan pihak luar dalam penetapan Bupati Gowa Sitti Husniah Talenrang sebagai tersangka.
- Penyidik mengendus empat praktik pemerasan yang menyasar pengembang properti hingga peritel modern, dengan nilai mencapai miliaran rupiah.
- Penyitaan aset mewah senilai total belasan miliar rupiah menandakan penanganan kasus bergerak ke arah pembuktian TPPU.
The National Police's Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortas Tipidkor) has stressed that its investigation into Gowa Regent Sitti Husniah Talenrang was not influenced by pressure from any party. The assertion came after public scrutiny over Sitti's status as the younger sister of former National Police Chief of Operations Assistant (Astamaops), Comr. Gen. (Ret.) Fadil Imran.
Director of Enforcement at Kortas Tipidkor, Brig. Gen. Robertus Yohanes De Deo, strongly denied any suggestion of interference. “There is no connection, there is no interference,” he told reporters in Jakarta on Friday (25/9). He stressed that the legal process was proceeding purely on the basis of evidence gathered by investigators.
The case came to light after Kortas Tipidkor named Sitti a suspect in alleged extortion and money laundering (TPPU). Investigators uncovered four different extortion schemes targeting various business sectors in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.
The first scheme involved the handling of a Spatial Use Activity Conformity Approval (PKKPR) requested by a housing developer. Second, extortion against Indomaret under the guise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of Rp85 million for each new outlet opening. Third, a request for a Building Construction Approval (PBG) permit for Royal Spring Housing, in which Sitti allegedly asked for one housing unit at a 70 percent discount from the initial price of Rp1.4 billion as a condition for approving the Sakura 2 site plan. Fourth, a request for Rp100 million in sponsorship funds from Indomaret for the opening of the Beautiful Malino outlet, with the funds transferred directly to the event organizer.
Investigators also seized a number of assets belonging to Sitti. Besides the houses in Royal Spring and Waterfront Makassar, police secured a 2025 Toyota HiAce with license plate DD 7010 HT worth around Rp682 million. The seizure is part of efforts to prove the flow of funds from corruption.
“Asset seizure is a strategic step to ensure there is no room for perpetrators to enjoy the proceeds of crime,” De Deo said.
The case highlights maladministration practices at the regional level that often ensnare businesses. The extortion schemes against modern retailers and property developers show how business permits can become a tool of pressure. On the other hand, law enforcement against regional heads with high-level political connections is a test of the police institution's integrity.
For the business world, this case underscores operational risks when dealing with officials who abuse their authority. Businesses in the regions are required to be more vigilant and bold in reporting demands that fall outside the rules. Meanwhile, the central government needs to strengthen oversight of regional licensing processes so they do not become a source of rent-seeking.
Going forward, the public will be watching whether this investigation is truly free from interference, especially given the suspect's family background. Transparency in handling the case will be an indicator of Kortas Tipidkor's credibility in cleaning up corruption practices in regional government.
