Gatut Sunu Wibowo denies corruption and extortion charges

Gatut Sunu Wibowo, the inactive Regent of Tulungagung, has denied allegations of extortion and receiving gratifications during his first corruption trial at the Surabaya Corruption Court.

In a video statement, Gatut claimed that several witness statements in the investigation reports do not reflect the actual facts. He specifically contested claims regarding the Tulungagung Regency Government's Ramadan Safari program. Gatut argued that the distribution of social assistance and orphanages' stipends was an official local government agenda conducted alongside the Vice Regent, rather than an act of gratification.

Gatut stated he will respect the legal process and use the trial to prove his innocence. He also warned that he would report any witnesses providing false testimony to law enforcement. He did not file an exception to the indictment, leaving his defense strategy to his legal counsel.