Gowa Regent Husniah Talenrang Named Corruption Suspect in PBG Case, New Signal for Action Against Regional Heads

Investigators from the National Police's Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortas Tipidkor) have officially named Gowa Regent Sitti Husniah Talenrang a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the processing of Building Approval (PBG) and other permits within the Gowa Regency Government, South Sulawesi, for the 2025-2026 period.

The decision on her legal status was announced by the Director of Enforcement at Kortas Tipidkor, Brig. Gen. Robertus Yohanes De Deo, at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday (25/9/2026). According to him, the decision was the outcome of a case review meeting that agreed to name the regent a suspect. The move marks a new chapter in the handling of a case that has ensnared an active regional head in South Sulawesi.

Earlier, on Monday (21/9/2026), a joint team comprising Kortas Tipidkor at National Police Headquarters, the South Sulawesi Regional Police, and the Gowa City Police raided two locations at once: the Gowa Regent's official residence on Jalan Beringin, Sungguminasa, and the Gowa Regent's Office on Jalan Mesjid Raya, Sungguminasa. The raids took place from 15.30 to 20.00 WITA.

From the raids, investigators seized a number of electronic evidence items and documents allegedly related to the case. "Documents in the form of electronic evidence as well as documents related to the case," said Brig. Gen. Hernowo Yulianto, a TK II Principal Criminal Investigator at Kortas Tipidkor, on Tuesday (22/9/2026).

The case highlights a pattern of governance vulnerabilities in regional building permitting. PBG, which replaced the Building Construction Permit (IMB) in 2021, serves as the entry point for property and construction investment. When the process is allegedly corrupted, the impact falls not only on state finances but also on business certainty and the local investment climate.

In recent years, a number of regional heads across various provinces have been caught up in similar cases. The action against the Gowa Regent underscores that Kortas Tipidkor is increasingly aggressive in targeting actors at the regional executive level. However, the suspect designation has yet to explain in detail the alleged modus operandi and the value of state losses incurred.

"In the case review meeting, the team agreed to name the Gowa regent a suspect," said Brig. Gen. Robertus Yohanes De Deo.

For businesses and investors in the property sector, particularly in South Sulawesi, this case serves as a warning about the importance of due diligence in handling permits. A non-transparent process can give rise to unofficial costs and legal risks down the line. Regional governments are being pressed to accelerate the digitalization of PBG services to reduce room for illegal negotiation.

In addition, the case could affect the perception of investment risk in Gowa Regency, which is currently developing various infrastructure projects and residential areas. Clarity on the legal status of a regional head is an important factor for investors considering expansion.

Going forward, the public is waiting to see whether investigators will name other suspects from among officials or private parties allegedly involved. A transparent and accountable legal process will be a test of the commitment to eradicating corruption in the regions. Without a thorough explanation, concerns over corrupt permitting practices could continue to overshadow efforts to attract investment.