“Yes, today, Monday (Sept. 22), KPK has scheduled a witness examination for SDW,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists in Jakarta.
Budi further confirmed that Sudewo had arrived at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta.
Sudewo, previously examined in August 2025 as a former member of the House of Representatives, was summoned on Monday (Sept. 22).
His name surfaced during a 2023 trial involving officials of the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of Transportation Ministry, Putu Sumarjaya and Bernard Hasibuan, where prosecutors presented evidence of Rp3 billion allegedly seized from Sudewo’s residence.
He denies receiving the funds, including Rp720 million from PT Istana Putra Agung and Rp500 million from Bernard Hasibuan via an intermediary.
The case began with a KPK sting operation in April 2023 at the Central Java Railway Engineering Center.
Since then, KPK has named 14 individual suspects and two corporate entities in connection with railway projects across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi.
These include the Solo Balapan–Kadipiro–Kalioso double-track line, Makassar rail development, multiple projects in Cianjur, and level crossing upgrades in Java and Sumatra.
Investigators suspect systematic manipulation of the tender process, from administrative stages to contractor selection.
Recently, Sudewo's leadership in Pati has also come under scrutiny due to his controversial policies that fueled public anger and protest.
Protesters have accused Sudewo of ignoring public concerns - particularly over the drastic 250% increase in land and building taxes - and failing to engage transparently with affected communities.
His dismissive attitude toward criticism, coupled with corruption allegations involving Rp3 billion in seized funds, has intensified calls for his impeachment.
Demonstrators argue that Sudewo’s refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing and his perceived indifference to the economic strain on residents reflect a pattern of arrogance that has eroded public trust and galvanized civic resistance.
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Translator: Rio Feisal, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Primayanti
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