Exploring the Profile of Rita Widyasari, Former Regent of Kukar Entangled in Corruption, Who Served Two Terms

Kapanlagi.com - Rita Widyasari, former Regent of Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar), East Kalimantan, who was once known as a high-achieving leader, is now caught in a troubling legal whirlpool. After serving two terms, she now faces the consequences of her alleged involvement in a bribery and money laundering case (TPPU) that is currently being investigated by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

In an intensive investigation, the KPK has conducted various seizures of assets believed to be the proceeds of corruption practices carried out by Rita during her tenure. In early January 2025, the KPK successfully seized cash amounting to Rp350.8 billion from 36 accounts, as well as foreign currencies worth millions of dollars, spread across several accounts linked to her.

As the investigation progresses, the involvement of several parties in the flow of funds allegedly originating from coal mining gratuities in Kukar is becoming increasingly apparent. This indicates that the case involves not only Rita as an individual but also various other parties with close connections to the licensing structure in the region. So what is her background like? Check out the following information, summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Thursday (20/2)

1. Rita Widyasari's Political Career Path: Serving as Regent for Two Terms

Before getting caught up in a corruption case, this Golkar Party politician, born on November 7, 1973, achieved remarkable success by winning the regent election in Kukar for two terms. In her first term (2010-2015), she partnered with Gufron Yusuf, and in her second term (2016-2021) with Edi Damansyah.

Her success is not separate from the influence of her father, a prominent political figure in Kukar, although her father's dark past, which also involved a corruption case in 2007, seems to haunt her steps.

With an impressive educational background—Bachelor's degree from Padjadjaran University, Master's degree from Soedirman University, and Doctorate from Universiti Utara Malaysia—she should have been a role model, but all of that vanished when the corruption case against her was revealed. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) did not remain silent, using the 'follow the money' method to trace the flow of funds and investigate other assets suspected of being related to money laundering.

The seizure of assets worth hundreds of billions of rupiah, including cash and luxury cars, from the residence of Japto Soerjosoemarno, demonstrates the seriousness of the KPK in recovering state losses and upholding justice.

2. Flow of Funds and Involved Parties

The corruption case involving Rita Widyasari is more complicated than expected, with the KPK digging deeper into the flow of funds allegedly going to several parties, including big names like Japto Soerjosoemarno and Ahmad Ali. In this investigation, the KPK successfully seized a staggering amount of cash, reaching Rp350.865 billion, spread across 36 accounts belonging to Rita and her associates.

Not only that, they also found foreign currency worth 6.2 million US Dollars and 2 million Singapore Dollars, which when totaled amounts to more than Rp125 billion. This case is further complicated by allegations of bribery related to palm oil permits, and the KPK is determined to maximize the recovery of assets resulting from corruption as well as resolve the money laundering (TPPU) cases related to it.

3. Asset Seizure and Ongoing Legal Process

In a decisive step to resolve the corruption case involving Rita Widyasari, the KPK not only seized various valuable assets such as cash, bank accounts, and luxury items, but also managed to uncover more than 500 suspicious financial transaction documents.

In a series of raids, luxury vehicles such as Lamborghini, McLaren, and Mercedes Benz, which were allegedly purchased with money from criminal activities, were also successfully seized.

Currently, Rita is serving a 10-year prison sentence at the Pondok Bambu Women's Prison since 2017, where she is also required to pay a fine of Rp600 million or serve an additional six months in confinement, as well as losing several assets that have now become evidence in her corruption case.

4. Impact and Implications of the Rita Widyasari Case

The Rita Widyasari case has become a sharp spotlight illustrating how deeply the roots of corruption can permeate various layers, involving not only herself but also touching on a broader political and business network.

The ongoing investigation reveals illegal fund flows from mining companies to local officials, making this case one of the most monumental in the history of local politics in Indonesia.

These findings underscore the urgency of strict oversight in the licensing of natural resource sectors. Additionally, Rita's arrest has triggered a wave of policy changes in Kukar, prompting a comprehensive evaluation of governance to prevent similar scandals from recurring in the future.

5. FAQ

What caused Rita Widyasari to get involved in a corruption case?

Rita was involved in gratification and money laundering related to mining permits in Kukar.

How much assets have been seized by the KPK from Rita Widyasari?

The KPK seized more than Rp350 billion, bank accounts, luxury vehicles, as well as land and property.

What is the chronology of the Rita Widyasari case?

The case began with allegations of bribery in mining, developed into gratification, and culminated in massive asset seizures.

What is the impact of this case on the government in Kutai Kartanegara?

This case has impacted the reshuffling of regional leadership and evaluation of licensing policies.

Where is Rita Widyasari serving her sentence?

Currently, Rita is serving a 10-year prison sentence at the Pondok Bambu Women’s Prison in Jakarta.

(kpl/rmt)