Ahmad Luthfi Denies Being Present With Pekalongan Regent During KPK Sting Operation
Previously, Fadia said that at the time of the KPK sting operation she was with the Governor of Central Java. Luthfi firmly denied Fadia’s statement. He said he only heard about Fadia being involved in the KPK sting from news reports on Tuesday morning, 3 March 2026.
“I only found out on Tuesday morning from the media,” Luthfi told reporters on Wednesday (4 March 2026).
Luthfi confirmed that Fadia did indeed visit his residence on Monday night (2 March). However, he stressed that the meeting involved not only the two of them but several officials, including the Regent of Tegal and the Deputy Regent of Purbalingga.
They discussed the progress of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program in their respective areas ahead of the MBG coordination meeting at the Central Java Provincial Government on Tuesday afternoon, 3 March 2026.
At the MBG coordination meeting at the Central Java Provincial Government, it was noted that it was led by the Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, and was attended by the Minister for Basic Education and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), the Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), and the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
On Monday night, Luthfi added, Fadia also requested permission not to attend the MBG coordination at the provincial government.
“That Monday night I had a breaking-fast event with friends from Ansor. After that, the Regent of Pekalongan, the Regent of Tegal and the Deputy Regent of Purbalingga reported MBG progress. Then Bu Fadia asked for permission not to attend the coordination on Tuesday with the Minister. After it finished, everyone went home,” Luthfi said.
Moreover, Luthfi stated that this incident should serve as a lesson for all regents and mayors, especially since the Central Java Provincial Government has cooperated with the KPK to prevent corruption.
The Central Java Provincial Government has worked with Korsupgah KPK to provide guidance to regional heads and to members of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). Furthermore, on World Anti-Corruption Day, they were warned not to engage in budget irregularities.
Preventive action has also been taken, as the incident could stem from the opportunity and ill intent.
Luthfi emphasised that this incident is a lesson for all regional leaders, including civil servants, to continue building a clean and good government. Most importantly, it must not break the law. Public officials, he said, must be role models because, in his view, “a rotten fish starts at the head.” Regional leaders must set a good example.
He also urged regional leaders not to live a hedonic lifestyle or to flaunt wealth or assets they own.
“They must be a good example, how? By ensuring a healthy bureaucracy, clean and in accordance with the rule of law,” he said.
Meanwhile, during a press conference, the KPK rejected the notion that the Pekalongan Regent was arrested together with the Governor of Central Java.
“While we are at the command post, there was no information of that,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, the Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK.