RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – A viral video accusing officials of taking illegal commissions from the construction of the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) project in Kediri, East Java, has triggered widespread public debate after allegations of “project point trading” spread rapidly across social media.
The controversy began after social media users circulated a short clip showing a conversation between two people inside a car. The video linked military personnel and a woman resembling a civil servant to alleged commission-sharing practices tied to the KDMP project. However, the Indonesian military quickly rejected the accusations and called the recording a hoax.
The Kediri KDMP project became a trending topic after the footage claimed that repeated commission cuts had damaged construction quality and reduced project budgets.
Viral Video Triggers Public Speculation
In the widely shared clip, a woman wearing clothing resembling an ASN (state civil apparatus) uniform sat in the back seat of a car, while a man in clothing resembling a military uniform sat beside her.
During the conversation, the speakers allegedly discussed the distribution of commissions connected to 60 construction points under the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih development program. The man allegedly requested a share of the commissions, while the woman appeared to hand over a plastic package suspected to contain cash.
The woman also claimed that multiple commission cuts had lowered construction standards and reduced the project budget. She further alleged that several parties, including military officials, received portions of the money.
The allegations quickly fueled reactions online. Many social media users questioned transparency in the KDMP development program and demanded clarification from authorities.
Kodim Kediri Rejects Corruption Claims
Kodim 0809 Kediri commander Lieutenant Colonel Infantry David Nurhadiansyah strongly denied every accusation mentioned in the viral video.
During a press conference at Kodim Kediri headquarters on Sunday, May 17, 2026, David stressed that the information circulating online was false and misleading.
He said he did not know the woman featured in the clip and insisted that no one had practiced “buying and selling project points” under his supervision.
According to David, military personnel continuously monitor KDMP construction projects directly in the field to ensure the government program benefits local communities.
“We implement a labor-intensive system. Koramil officers and Babinsa personnel inspect KDMP locations every day,” he said.
David also emphasized that no ASN personnel or outside parties had interfered in the construction process.
KDMP Construction Follows Presidential Rules
David explained that the KDMP construction process already follows Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2025.
Under the regulation, local governments only prepare land for the projects, while Agrinas and military institutions handle the construction work.
He argued that daily supervision and direct inspections make illegal commission practices unlikely.
The clarification came as public concern intensified over the possibility of corruption inside one of the government’s flagship village empowerment programs.
The Koperasi Desa Merah Putih initiative aims to strengthen rural economic development and improve community welfare through cooperative-based infrastructure and business support.
Authorities Trace Source of Viral Video
Kodim Kediri confirmed that authorities will continue tracing the source of the viral video and investigating the motives behind its circulation.
Military officials also urged the public to use social media responsibly and avoid spreading unverified information.
David encouraged residents to conduct “tabayun,” or fact-checking, before trusting controversial claims online.
Kodim Kediri released a clarification video in an effort to counter the narrative that had already spread widely across digital platforms.
Despite the official denial, the incident shows how quickly misinformation surrounding government projects can spread and spark national controversy in the social media era.
The Kediri KDMP project allegations have now become one of the most discussed regional infrastructure issues online, with many observers calling for stronger transparency and public communication regarding government development programs.