Pekanbaru Corruption Case Widens as More Suspects Emerge
Authorities have announced that their investigation into alleged corruption in Pekanbaru is expanding. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is delving deeper into the case, looking into the potential involvement of additional individuals suspected of benefiting from illegally diverted funds.
“The KPK will continue to delve deeper and further develop the investigation of this case, including looking into other parties suspected of possibly receiving the funds,” KPK deputy chairman Nurul Ghufron declared.
The move follows a dramatic sting operation carried out by KPK investigators in Pekanbaru just
days before. They seized Rp 6.8 billion (US$426,095) in cash linked to the case.
Acting Pekanbaru mayor Risnandar Mahiwa has been named a suspect in the case, accused of receiving Rp 2.5 billion through illicit deductions from the city budget. Ghufron revealed that these deductions appear to have taken place since July, originating from the general affairs division of the City Secretariat.
City Secretary Allegedly Implicated
Indicators suggest that this wasn’t a lone act. The KPK says that beyond
Mahiwa, Pekanbaru city secretary Indra Pomi Nasution also may have benefited from the illicit budget allocations.
“In November 2024, there was an increase in the Secretariat’s budget, including budget allocations for meals and refreshments in the 2024 revised city budget. From this increase, the acting mayor is suspected of receiving a share of Rp 2.5 billion,” Ghufron stated.
Potential Money Laundering Probe
Adding another layer to the investigation, the KPK is also exploring the possibility of money laundering connected to the case.
Hsamin Karmila, acting head of the general affairs section, is suspected of playing a key role alongside Mariya Ulfa and Tengku Suhaila. These individuals are
allegedly involved in meticulously recording the flow of funds. It appears these records were
carefully crafted to facilitate the illicit deductions, purportedly intended for the
Mayor and the City Secretary.)
It is understood that Indra Pomi and H.Samin Karmila have been named suspects in the case, along
with the others already detained. All are currently being held at the KPK’s detention center for an
initial period of 20 days, starting Wednesday and lasting until December 22.
* Apart from the KPK investigation, what other potential consequences might the city of Pekanbaru face as a result of this scandal, particularly in terms of its financial standing and reputation?
## Pekanbaru Corruption Scandal: An Expanding Web of Deception
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Joining us today is [Guest Name], a political analyst who has been closely following the developing corruption case in Pekanbaru. [Guest Name], thanks for being here.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** This case has been making headlines. Can you shed some light on the latest developments?
**Guest:** Absolutely. What started as a dramatic raid by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) just days ago, seizing over Rp 6.8 billion in cash, has spiraled into something much bigger. [ [1](https://jakartaglobe.id/news/acting-pekanbaru-mayor-arrested-by-kpk) ]Now, the KPK is actively investigating the possibility of a broader conspiracy involving multiple individuals. The acting Mayor, Risnandar Mahiwa, has already been named a suspect, accused of illicitly diverting funds from the city budget.
**Interviewer:** That’s astonishing. Just how widespread could this corruption be?
**Guest:** The KPK deputy chairman, Nurul Ghufron, has made it clear that they are looking into the possibility of other individuals receiving a share of these illegally diverted funds. [ [text provided] ]This means it’s likely not just a case of one or two individuals acting alone.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Specialists, experts in their field.
**Guest:** Yes, there’s a strong suspicion that the acting Secretary, Indra Pomi Nasution, may also have benefited from these budget manipulations. Additionally, three other individuals – Hsamin Karmila, Mariya Ulfa, and Tengku Suhaila – are suspected of playing key roles in recording and falsifying financial records to concealed these illicit transactions, potentially even pointing towards money laundering.**
**Interviewer:** It sounds like the KPK has uncovered a complex scheme. What are the likely repercussions for Pekanbaru and its citizens?
**Guest:** This scandal will undoubtedly have a deep impact on public trust in the city government. It’s crucial that the KPK thoroughly investigates these allegations and brings those responsible to justice.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for those insights, [Guest Name]. This is certainly a story we will continue to follow closely.
**Guest:** You’re welcome.
