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

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEMARANG — Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has admitted he is tired of reminding the regents and mayors in his province not to commit corruption. His remarks came in response to the arrest of Pemalang Regent Anom Widyantoro in a KPK sting operation (OTT). Anom became the fifth regent from Central Java to be arrested by the anti-graft agency during 2026.

“As Governor, I am extremely concerned and deeply regret what has happened,” Luthfi said at his office when asked by journalists for his response to the arrest of Pemalang Regent Anom Widyantoro on Wednesday (29/7/2026).

Luthfi revealed that he had taken various measures to prevent corruption in his province, involving all the regents and mayors across Central Java.

“I have taken many steps for Central Java Province, from joining the retreat, we invited Korsupgah from the KPK, then we worked with the Deputy for Prevention, then we made an MoU and integrity pacts. I gathered them all together, even to the point of lecturing them,” Luthfi said.

However, these efforts have failed to keep regional heads in Central Java free from misconduct or corruption. When asked whether there would be any further steps to prevent regents and mayors in Central Java from engaging in corruption, Luthfi seemed at a loss.

“What else am I supposed to do that I haven’t done. I’m already tired,” Luthfi said, half-jokingly.

When asked about allegations of positions being bought and sold by Pemalang Regent Anom Widyantoro, Luthfi remained reluctant to comment. “Wait for the official statement from the KPK. If I speak, I might get it wrong again,” he said.