Palembang, KOTABARI.COM – The former Principal of State Senior High School 20 Palembang, identified as SL, has been detained by the Palembang Prosecutor’s Office on suspicion of being involved in a corruption case related to the committee funds of State Senior High School 19 Palembang. SL, who currently holds the position of Principal at State Senior High School 20 Palembang, is alleged to have been involved in the mismanagement of committee funds during their tenure as Principal at the said school.
The case has raised concerns among education authorities. Joko Purwanto, the Head of the Subdivision of Senior High School Education in the South Sumatra Provincial Education Office (Sumsel), expressed his concern over the situation. However, he emphasized that they have not yet received an official letter regarding SL’s detention.
“We found out about it through the media, but we still prioritize the presumption of innocence. We are deeply concerned about this incident,” Joko told reporters on Thursday (July 21, 2023).
Joko also added that they always provide guidance to schools to be cautious in managing finances, whether from the Regional Budget (APBD) or from the community. According to him, School Committees are allowed to raise funds and other educational resources from the community, including individuals, organizations, businesses, industries, and other stakeholders, in accordance with Permendikbud (Minister of Education and Culture Regulation) No. 75 of 2016.
“The funds obtained must be used according to the requested needs, such as for activities not funded by the government, such as extracurricular activities and others,” he explained.
Although SL currently serves as the Principal of State Senior High School 20 Palembang, Joko stated that the teaching and learning process at the school will continue as usual. Joko affirmed that there is a Vice Principal who will take over the duties of the Principal during SL’s temporary suspension while undergoing the legal process.
Previously, the Palembang Prosecutor’s Office had named two suspects in this case. Apart from SL, the other suspect is identified as AR, who served as the Chairman of the Committee at State Senior High School 19 Palembang in 2021-2022. Both have been detained for the next 20 days at the Pakjo Palembang Detention Center.
This case has drawn public attention and serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in managing funds within educational institutions. It is hoped that the authorities will handle this case fairly and transparently to uphold the integrity of the education system in the region.