TULUNGAGUNG – Tulungagung corruption case has entered a critical stage as Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigates alleged THR fund flows, while DPRD Chairman Marsono continues to avoid public comment.

KPK said investigators are tracing funds linked to the case involving suspended Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo. Authorities suspect the money was distributed to members of the regional leadership forum (forkopimda) as Eid holiday allowances, widely known in Indonesia as THR.

Marsono, who leads the Tulungagung Regional House of Representatives, declined to respond when reporters approached him after a plenary session on May 4. He gave a brief answer before leaving the venue. “I am not competent to answer that. You should ask the source,” he said.

The PDI-P politician quickly walked away as journalists continued asking questions. He maintained that he did not have the authority to comment on the allegations, despite being part of the forum mentioned in the investigation.

Earlier, KPK named Gatut Sunu Wibowo and his aide, Dwi Yoga Ambal, as suspects in an alleged corruption scheme involving extortion. Investigators said the pair pressured regional officials to secure payments.

According to KPK findings, the scheme targeted 16 regional agencies (OPD) that received additional budget allocations. Gatut allegedly demanded contributions totaling Rp 5 billion and collected around Rp 2.7 billion. In several cases, officials asked agencies to hand over up to 50 percent of their additional funds.

Investigators believe the suspects later distributed part of the money to several parties. They are now examining whether some of the funds reached members of forkopimda in the form of THR payments.

The case came to light after KPK carried out a sting operation on April 10, 2026. Officers arrested Gatut and his aide during the operation. They also seized Rp 335.4 million in cash, which investigators are using as key evidence.

KPK continues to track the flow of funds and identify individuals who may have received money from the scheme. The agency has not ruled out the possibility of naming additional suspects as the investigation develops.

The allegations have drawn public attention in Tulungagung, as they involve senior officials and key institutions. Observers say the outcome of the probe could affect public trust in local governance.

For now, KPK officials stress that the investigation remains ongoing. They urge all parties to cooperate as they work to uncover the full scope of the case.