The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Mimika Regent Eltinus Omaleng in Jayapura on September 7, 2022, on corruption allegation on the construction of the Kingmi Mile 32 Church in Kuala Kencana district in Mimika regency, Papua. The regent is currently undergoing examination at the Papua Police Mobile Brigade Headquarters.
Omaleng had earlier filed for a pre-trial hearing request. However, the South Jakarta District Court rejected his request on August 25, 2022.
Several groups in Papua welcome the arrest of Omaleng, saying it was appropriate for the KPK to do so. Omaleng was strongly suspected of corruption on the Kingmi Mile 32 Church building. The Mimika regency had spent over IDR 250 billion from its regional budget (APBD) for the 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2022 fiscal years
“There are still many mega-corruption scandals that occur in Papua involving well-known public figures and local administration officials. Either the KPK or the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) should follow up these scandals with uncompromising law enforcement steps,” said a community leader in Jayapura, who requested anonymity.
There are several impacts related to the arrest of Omaleng by the KPK. It will give a positive signal to improve the performance of law enforcers in Papua, including the KPK, to not hesitate to eradicate graft. It will also cover future state budget losses and facilitate the development process in Papua in general and Mimika in particular.
