The former Village Head (Kades) of Lubuk Mas, Rawas Ulu District, North Musi Rawas (Muratara) Regency, with the initials S, was officially named a suspect by the Lubuklinggau District Attorney's Office (Kejari) on Wednesday (8/1/2025). S's detention adds to the list of corruption cases that have tarnished village governance.
In the spotlight of journalists' cameras, S was seen wearing a red prisoner's vest and covering his face with a brown envelope as he left the examination room.
His hasty steps towards the prison car reflected an effort to avoid public attention.
The Lubuklinggau District Attorney's Office explained that suspect S was suspected of being involved in corruption in the management of Village Funds (DD) and Village Fund Allocations (ADD) in 2020 and 2021.
In 2020, Lubuk Mas Village managed a budget of IDR 1.48 billion, while in 2021 the budget increased to IDR 1.63 billion.
However, instead of involving village officials, S took over all budget management personally.
The glaring irregularities were seen in the non-payment of fixed income for village officials and the discrepancy in the distribution of Direct Cash Assistance (BLT).
A total of 136 BLT recipients in 2020 and 60 recipients in 2021 did not receive assistance according to the provisions.
The investigation team found indications of state losses of IDR 403.8 million in 2020 and IDR 452.2 million in 2021, totaling IDR 856 million.
The Lubuklinggau District Attorney's Office emphasized its commitment to completing the investigation of this case, including revealing the possible involvement of other parties.
"Handling this case is an important step to ensure transparent and accountable village financial management," said the Head of the Lubuklinggau District Attorney's Office.
This case is a warning to other village officials to carry out their duties with integrity. The public is now waiting for the results of further disclosures from the prosecutor's office.
