BKN Laments Civil Servants Caught in Regional Head Sting Operations, Issues Stern Warning
The National Civil Service Agency (BKN) has spoken out regarding civil servants (ASN) who have been caught up in Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operations (OTT) targeting regional heads. The agency expressed its concern over these repeated incidents.
“Many ASN always end up as victims in OTTs of regional heads. I am frankly concerned and saddened by this,” said BKN Chief Zudan Arif Fakrulloh to reporters at the Ministry of Home Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Monday (13/7/2026).
Zudan reminded ASN that if they are proven to be involved in corruption cases, they will face dishonourable discharge. He therefore urged all civil servants to always remain strictly compliant with the prevailing laws and regulations.
“If it ultimately leads to a criminal act of corruption, the consequence is dishonourable discharge. Therefore, I ask our ASN to simply adhere strictly to the rules,” he said.
Zudan also asked ASN to avoid mens rea, or malicious intent, from the outset. He appealed to civil servants not to engage in actions that could lead to state losses.
“I ask our colleagues to avoid two things: mens rea, the malicious intent, and actions that are detrimental to state finances,” he stated.
It is known that during July, three regional heads have already been ensnared in KPK sting operations. In addition to the regional heads, the KPK also arrested ASN who served as their subordinates.
One such case implicates Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani. Etik has been named a suspect in an alleged extortion case within the Sukoharjo Regency Government.
Besides the regent, the KPK also named Etik’s subordinates, who hold ASN status, as suspects.
The following is a list of three individuals named as suspects by the KPK:
Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani
Head of the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD) of Sukoharjo Regency Richard Tri Handoko
Head of General Affairs of the Sukoharjo Regency Secretariat Tri Mulyo