The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned former Mayor of Semarang Hendrar Prihadi on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 as a witness in an alleged corruption case involving the Semarang City Administration.
Hendrar, currently vying for the position of Deputy Governor of Central Java alongside gubernatorial candidate Andika Perkasa, confirmed his attendance at the KPK to provide clarification.
“There was a summons, and I was asked to testify regarding several matters within the Semarang City Administration,” Hendrar told reporters outside the KPK office in Jakarta.
He refrained from elaborating on the specifics of his testimony but emphasized that it was a routine procedure.
“I was simply called as a witness to provide information,” he said, noting that his examination lasted from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Goods and services procurement
The investigation centers on allegations of corruption in the procurement of goods and services within the Semarang City Government from 2023 to 2024.
The KPK is also probing claims of extortion involving public officials over tax and retribution incentives, as well as alleged gratuities during the same period.
Since announcing the inquiry on July 17, 2024, the KPK has identified several suspects but has yet to disclose their identities, citing protocol to reveal case details only after investigations are complete.
The KPK has already conducted searches across various offices within the Semarang City Administration, including at the City Hall complex and the Pandanaran Government Office Complex. They have also summoned several officials for questioning.
Political setback
Hendrar’s questioning comes amid his bid for the Deputy Governor position in Central Java. He and Andika Perkasa, backed by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), are awaiting official results following the November 27, 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections nationwide. Preliminary counts suggest they are trailing behind Ahmad Luthfi and Taj Yasin.
As Hendrar continues to face legal scrutiny, the investigation could pose challenges to his political ambitions. However, the former mayor remains cooperative, stating that he respects the KPK’s process and will comply with future proceedings.
The KPK has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation and has urged public officials to uphold transparency and accountability in governance.
