Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko on suspicion of receiving more than Rp 1 billion from the director of a local hospital who allegedly paid to keep his job, officials said early Sunday.

According to the KPK, Yunus Mahatma, director of Harjono Regional Hospital, made a series of payments totaling Rp 1.25 billion to the regent and the regional secretary beginning early this year, fearing his replacement.

“During the third payment on November 7, 2025, KPK conducted a sting operation and detained 13 individuals,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, the agency’s deputy for enforcement, at a press briefing in Jakarta.

Of those arrested, four have been named suspects and formally detained: Regent Sugiri Sancoko, Hospital Director Yunus Mahatma, Ponorogo Regional Secretary Agus Pramono, and businessman Sucipto.

Investigators found that Yunus had previously received Rp 1.4 billion in bribes from Sucipto, who was awarded a construction project at Harjono Hospital, Asep added.

The arrests mark the latest in a string of regional corruption cases linked to the misuse of public office and favoritism in local project allocations. The KPK said further investigations are underway to trace the flow of funds and uncover possible links to other officials.

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