Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman Faces Extortion Allegations: Latest Updates
Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman and Regional Secretary Sadmoko Danardono have been named suspects in an alleged extortion case by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The investigation centers around accusations that the officials compelled Cilacap Regency government officials to contribute funds for THR (Eid bonus) ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The KPK has conducted searches at multiple locations, uncovering evidence of money collection.
Recent Developments: Searches and Evidence
On Monday, March 16, 2026, KPK investigators carried out searches at the official residence and office of Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, the Cilacap Regional Secretary’s Office, and the offices of Assistants 1, 2, and 3 of the Cilacap Regent.
According to KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo, investigators confiscated documents and electronic evidence, including cellphones containing chats related to the collection of money from heads of departments (SKPD) to heads of their respective divisions for the THR quota requested by Regent Syamsul.
The Allegations
The KPK alleges that Syamsul Auliya Rachman and Sadmoko Danardono forced Cilacap Regency government officials to deposit money for THR. During the initial Operasi Tangkap Tangan (OTT), the KPK confiscated IDR 610 million.
Background: Syamsul Auliya Rachman
Syamsul Auliya Rachman is a politician from the Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB) and has served as the Bupati (Regent) of Cilacap since February 20, 2025, after being inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto. He also holds the position of Chairman of the DPC PKB Cilacap Regency for the 2021-2026 term.
Prior to becoming Regent, Syamsul Auliya Rachman served as Vice Regent of Cilacap from 2017 to 2022. He is an alumnus of the Institut Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri (IPDN) from 2008 and holds a Doctorate in Government Science from IPDN Jakarta, earned in 2023.
He won the Cilacap Regency election in 2024, partnering with Ammy Amalia Fatma Surya.
Legal Charges
Both Syamsul Auliya Rachman and Sadmoko Danardono have been charged under Article 12 letter e and/or Article 12B of the Corruption Eradication Law.