Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi Expresses Concern Over Pemalang Regent's Arrest by KPK
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has responded to news that Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro was caught in a sting operation (Operasi Tangkap Tangan, OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). He expressed regret over the incident.
“As governor, I am deeply saddened and deeply regretful,” said Luthfi when met at his office on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
That regret was not without reason. According to him, various anti-corruption prevention efforts had already been carried out in Central Java. These ranged from holding retreats for regional heads, conducting coordination, supervision and corruption prevention (Korsupgah) with the KPK, to the signing of integrity pacts.
“We have issued warnings repeatedly. After the sting operation, we gathered them again and issued further warnings,” he explained.
Regarding the alleged buying and selling of official positions and gratuities that have ensnared Anom Widiyantoro, Luthfi stressed that he was still awaiting an official statement from the KPK.
However, he firmly stated that Central Java, particularly the Central Java Provincial Government, already applies a meritocracy system. This system has been in place for appointments to positions within the provincial government, including regionally owned enterprises (BUMD) and public service agencies (BLUD).
“A position is a trust. I also thank the previous Governors of Central Java who created this meritocracy system. We simply continue it, and I have added: no proxy appointments, no arranged insertions. If there are any, I will prosecute them myself,” he asserted.
On that occasion, Luthfi also repeatedly reminded all public officials, including regional heads and heads of Regional Apparatus Organisations (OPD), to ensure every action complies with prevailing rules and laws.
He expressed hope that public officials would not seize opportunities to abuse their authority for personal or group gain.
As for the appointment of an Acting Regent of Pemalang, his side is still awaiting further developments from the KPK.
Nevertheless, he has already prepared a team to support the Pemalang Regency Government to ensure all public services and governmental activities run smoothly without disruption.
The KPK seized more than Rp2 billion in cash and sealed several rooms within the Pemalang Regency Government compound after conducting the sting operation. The seizures were carried out as part of the investigation process to secure evidence allegedly linked to the case.
The KPK also sealed the office of the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) of Pemalang as well as two houses in connection with the sting operation that ensnared Regent Anom Widiyantoro. Seven Pemalang regency officials, including the Regional Secretary and the Regent’s wife, were taken to Jakarta after undergoing intensive questioning for 12 hours at the Pemalang Police Headquarters.