5 Central Java Regents Snared in KPK Sting Operations, Governor Luthfi: 'I'm Exhausted'

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has admitted he is exhausted from reminding regents and mayors in his region not to engage in corruption. His statement was in response to the arrest of Pemalang Regent Anom Widyantoro in a sting operation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Anom is the fifth regent from Central Java to be caught by the anti-corruption agency throughout 2026. “As Governor, I am very concerned and deeply, deeply regretful,” Luthfi said at his office when asked by journalists for his reaction to the arrest of Pemalang Regent Anom Widyantoro on Wednesday (29/7/2026). Luthfi revealed that he had made various efforts to prevent corruption in his region. These efforts also involved regents and mayors across Central Java. “I have taken many steps for Central Java Province, from attending retreats, we have invited the Korsupgah (KPK), then we have engaged the Deputy for Prevention, then we have made MoUs and integrity pacts. Then I gathered them all, even to the point of nagging them,” Luthfi said. However, this apparently did not prevent regional heads in Central Java Province from engaging in misappropriation or corruption. When asked whether there would be other steps or efforts to prevent regents and mayors in Central Java from committing corruption, Luthfi seemed confused. “What else haven’t I done? I’m already exhausted,” Luthfi quipped. When asked about the alleged buying and selling of positions carried out by Pemalang Regent Anom Widyantoro, Luthfi was still reluctant to comment. “Wait for the official statement from the KPK. I might say the wrong thing again later,” he said.