Bupati Gowa Sitti Husniah Talenrang has been named a suspect for alleged extortion, gratification, and money laundering by the National Police’s Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortas Tipikor) following an investigation into regional licensing processes spanning 2025 to 2026. According to Kortas Tipikor Director Brigjen Robertus Yohanes De Deo, investigators conducted an investigation meeting that formally established the district leader as a suspect after examining 30 witnesses and four experts.
Four Extortion Clusters Involving Regional Permits
Investigators outline four distinct events involving alleged extortion, gratification, and money laundering tied to the Bupati’s office. The first cluster involves the Spatial Utilization Activity Conformity Approval (PKKPR) process. Brigjen De Deo stated that Sitti Husniah instructed the head of the Housing, Settlement Areas, and Land Office (Perkimtan) to collect fees ranging from Rp 1 million to Rp 1.5 million per housing unit from developers. PT Royal Persada reportedly handed over Rp 100 million and PT Renjana handed over Rp 50 million through the Bupati’s private driver.
Minimarket Licensing and CSR Funds
The second cluster involves the expansion of Indomaret minimarket outlets across Gowa. Investigators found that Sitti Husniah directed corporate representatives to coordinate with her trusted associate, identified as HA. Through HA, the Bupati allegedly demanded Rp 85 million per new store under the guise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. According to Liputan6.com, Indomaret delivered payments across three separate instances totaling Rp 850 million. De Deo noted that a portion of these funds went toward personal assets, including a private home in Waterfront Makassar and a Toyota HiAce vehicle, contributing to a total of Rp1,1 billion in identified extortion funds.
Housing Approvals and Event Sponsorships
The third cluster centers on building approval (PBG) processes for the Royal Spring housing development. Sitti Husniah allegedly demanded a 70 percent discount on a Rp 1,4 miliar home—securing it for Rp 420 million under another person’s name—as a condition for approving the Sakura 2 site plan. IDN Times reports that the funds used to purchase this home originated from a kickback demand directed at PT API regarding a Rp 3,8 miliar Health Office ambulance procurement project in 2025. The fourth cluster involves the annual Beautiful Malino event, where investigators uncovered demands for Rp 100 million in sponsorship funds from Indomaret before official audiocasts took place, with money transferred directly to event organizers.
Legal Charges and Continuing Investigation
For these actions, Sitti Husniah faces charges under Article 12 letter e and/or Article 12B of the Anti-Corruption Law, jo Article 20 letter c and Article 126 of the National Criminal Code. Investigators also applied Article 607 paragraph (1) letter a of the National Criminal Code regarding money laundering. Law enforcement personnel continue to trace asset allocations and investigate the network of intermediaries involved in the licensing schemes.
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