On Corruption in Labuhanbatu : The End?

Back in 2018, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation in North Sumatera and arrested the then Regent of Labuhanbatu, Pangonal Harahap (PDIP). Just like a lot of other graft cases, Pangonal received bribes from local contractors namely Effendy Sahputra (nicknamed Asiong Cobra). The trial ended in 2019. Effendy tried his luck the next year and filed for a Reconsideration (PK) but the attempt failed. Towards the end of January 2024, however, the KPK conducted another sting operation in the same regency and once again arrested the regent, this time Erik Adtrada Ritonga (NasDem). What caught our attention is the fact that the KPK also arrested Effendy and named him suspect as one of the bribers, just four years after he was sentenced. The inquisition and prosecution stage continued far from media coverage. Effendy had been found guilty for the second time and this week Erik was found guilty.To subscribe please click here