The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is actively tracing the assets of former Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) Secretary-General, Hery Sudarmanto. This extensive investigation comes amidst allegations of Hery’s involvement in the extortion of prospective foreign workers (TKA) within the Ministry of Manpower.
As part of their meticulous asset tracing efforts, KPK investigators questioned Hery’s wife, Ria Sudiyastuti, last Monday, December 1st. During the examination, investigators sought to gain deeper insight into her knowledge concerning the assets held by Hery Sudarmanto and his family. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed this development to reporters on Wednesday, December 3rd, highlighting the commission’s thorough approach.
Further expanding the scope of their inquiry, Budi added that investigators also interviewed other key witnesses: Yudi Sugiarto, Sri Ribut Gestiani, and Widagdo, all high-ranking officials from PT Zam Zam Selomas Group. These individuals were questioned about their financial transactions with Hery Sudarmanto (HS), Ria Sudiyastuti (RS), and their respective families, underscoring the KPK’s focus on unraveling complex financial networks.
This ongoing corruption case saw the KPK initially name eight suspects prior to Hery. These individuals, holding significant positions within the Ministry of Manpower, are:
- Suhartono, Director General of Manpower Placement and Expansion of Employment Opportunities (Binapenta and PKK) Kemnaker from 2020-2023.
- Haryanto, Director of Control of Foreign Worker Utilization (PPTKA) from 2019-2024 and Director General of Binapenta and PKK Kemnaker from 2024-2025.
- Wisnu Pramono, Director of PPTKA from 2017-2019.
- Devi Angraeni, Director of PPTKA from 2024-2025.
- Gatot Widiartono (GTW), Coordinator of Analysis and PPTKA from 2021-2025.
- Putri Citra Wahyoe (PCW), RPTKA Hotline Officer from 2019-2024 and RPTKA Validation Verifier at the Directorate of PPTKA from 2024-2025.
- Jamal Shodiqin (JMS), TU Analyst at the Directorate of PPTKA from 2019-2024 and Junior Expert Employment Officer at the Directorate of PPTKA from 2024-2025.
- Alfa Eshad (ALF), Junior Expert Employment Officer at Kemnaker from 2018-2025.
These eight suspects are alleged to have illicitly amassed approximately Rp 53.7 billion from the widespread extortion scheme. Disturbingly, some of these ill-gotten gains were reportedly used for lavish meals among staff members.
The KPK’s investigation subsequently evolved, leading to the designation of Hery Sudarmanto as a suspect. He is alleged to have also received a flow of funds stemming from this extensive corruption case. In a significant development, the KPK has already seized a car belonging to Hery as part of the ongoing probe into his assets.
To date, Hery has refrained from commenting on his suspect status, and he has not yet been detained by investigators. Similarly, his wife has also remained silent regarding her questioning by the KPK. Meanwhile, the investigative process for the initial eight suspects has been concluded, and they are currently awaiting trial.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating former Ministry of Manpower Secretary-General Hery Sudarmanto for alleged extortion of prospective foreign workers. As part of its asset tracing efforts, KPK investigators questioned Hery’s wife, Ria Sudiyastuti, about her knowledge of his and the family’s assets. Additionally, other officials from PT Zam Zam Selomas Group were interviewed regarding financial transactions with Hery and his wife.
Hery Sudarmanto is alleged to have received funds from this widespread corruption case, which previously involved eight other high-ranking Ministry of Manpower officials accused of illicitly amassing approximately Rp 53.7 billion. The KPK has already seized Hery’s car as part of the ongoing probe into his assets. While the initial eight suspects are awaiting trial, Hery has not yet been detained or commented on his suspect status.