Gowa Regent Named Suspect in Bribery Case, Allegedly Received Illegal Benefits from Developers and Retailers

The Regent of Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Sitti Husniah Talenrang, has been named a suspect in a corruption case by the Directorate of Corruption Crimes (Kortastipidkor Polri). She is suspected of using her position to solicit money and other benefits from parties involved in the processing of permits, including Building Use Permits (PBG), between 2025 and 2026. According to the Director of Enforcement at Kortastipidkor Polri, Brigadier General Roberthus Yohannes De Deo, the suspect designation was made after investigators held an inquiry meeting. Prior to this, investigators had examined 30 witnesses and four experts in criminal law, corporate law, language, and regional governance. Searches were also conducted at four locations, including the Gowa Regent's official residence, the Gowa Regent's office, and the residences of individuals identified as HA and RP. De Deo revealed that Sitti Husniah is allegedly involved in four series of alleged extortion, gratification, and money laundering cases. The first series relates to the processing of spatial utilization permit conformity approvals (PKKPR) by housing developers. Investigators found that Sitti Husniah requested reports on applicant lists and PKKPR discussions. She then allegedly instructed the Head of the Housing, Settlement, and Land Agency (Perkimtan) to demand money from developers, calculated based on the number of houses to be built, estimated at around Rp1 million to Rp1.5 million per house. In this series, PT Royal Persada reportedly handed over Rp100 million, while PT Renjana handed over Rp50 million to Sitti Husniah through an intermediary, identified as her private driver. The second series concerns the opening of minimarket outlets. Investigators discovered that after a meeting with Indomaret representatives, Sitti Husniah directed them to coordinate with HA, described as her trusted person. It is alleged that HA received Rp85 million from the minimarket operator. These allegations highlight deep-rooted corruption issues in Indonesia, involving the abuse of power by regional leaders and the illicit procurement of benefits from developers and businesses impacting the local economy. The alleged actions of a public official, entrusted with fostering regional development, to exploit their position for personal gain are a significant breach of public trust.