A Dozen Regional Heads Caught in KPK Sting Operations Since Early 2026, Pemalang Regent Latest
A total of twelve regional heads have been caught in sting operations (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) from the start of 2026 through to the end of July. The latest official to be ensnared is the Regent of Pemalang, Anom Widiyantoro.
The KPK has been aggressively conducting these operations, targeting regents and mayors across the country. The cases involve a variety of corruption schemes.
The list of regional heads arrested by the KPK throughout 2026 includes:
19 January 2026: Regent of Pati, Central Java, Sudewo, was caught in a sting operation related to project bribery and the buying and selling of village official positions.
19 January 2026: Mayor of Madiun, East Java, Maidi, was arrested for extortion involving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, project fees, and gratuities.
3 March 2026: Regent of Pekalongan, Central Java, Fadia Arafiq, was caught over the procurement of outsourcing services for a family-owned company.
12 March 2026: Regent of Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, was arrested for accepting bribes related to project down payments from the district government.
13 March 2026: Regent of Cilacap, Central Java, Syamsul Auliya Rachman, was caught in a case of extortion against regional apparatus organisations (OPD) regarding holiday bonus (THR) contributions.
10 April 2026: Regent of Tulungagung, East Java, Gatut Sunu Wibowo, was arrested for extorting 16 heads of regional apparatus organisations (OPD).
9 June 2026: Regent of Muara Enim, South Sumatra, Edison, was caught in a procurement case at the district’s Education and Culture Office.
30 June 2026: Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Riau, Suhardiman Amby, was arrested for bribery related to the appointment of a regional secretary and a luxury car worth IDR 2.05 billion.
3 July 2026: Regent of Langkat, Syah Afandin, was caught for project fees at the Education and Public Housing Offices and alleged gratuities of IDR 3.5 billion.
11 July 2026: Regent of Sukoharjo, Etik Suryani, was arrested in a case of extortion and salary deductions of district civil servants.
21 July 2026: Regent of West Lombok, Lalu Ahmad Zaini, was caught in a corruption case involving project manipulation and receiving bribes totalling IDR 12.4 billion.
29 July 2026: Regent of Pemalang, Central Java, Anom Widiyantoro, was arrested for project manipulation and the buying and selling of official positions.