Central Java Governor denies Pekalongan Regent's claim about KPK sting

Semarang, Indonesia – Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has rejected Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq’s statements regarding a sting operation (OTT) conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

“I only learned about it on Tuesday morning (3/3) from the media,” he said in Semarang on Wednesday.

He even admitted he was surprised when his name was mentioned by the Pekalongan Regent that when the KPK sting operation was carried out he was with the Governor of Central Java.

Regarding Fadia’s words that on Monday (3/2) night she came to Ahmad Luthfi’s residence, he confirmed it.

However, he emphasised that the meeting was not solely between the two of them; several officials attended, including the Regent of Tegal and the Deputy Regent of Purbalingga.

According to him, the meeting discussed the progress of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in their respective areas ahead of the MBG Coordination Meeting at the Central Java Provincial Government which was held on Tuesday afternoon.

The MBG Coordination Meeting at Pemprov Jateng was led by the Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, and attended by the Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikdasmen), the Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), and the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

On Monday evening, he continued, Fadia also expressed permission not to be able to attend the MBG coordination meeting at Pemprov Jateng.

“On Monday evening I had an event breaking fast with friends from Anshor. After that, the Pekalongan Regent, Tegal and the Deputy Regent of Purbalingga reported MBG progress. Then Mrs Fadia asked for permission not to be able to attend the coordination meeting on Tuesday with the Minister. After it was finished, everyone went home,” he said.

Moreover, he stated that this incident serves as a lesson for all regents and mayors, especially since the Pemprov Jateng has been cooperating with KPK to prevent corruption.

The Pemprov Jateng cooperates with Korsupgah KPK to provide guidance to regional leaders and even members of the DPRD.

Furthermore, during World Anti-Corruption Day celebrations, they have been warned not to commit budgetary irregularities, and most importantly not to break the law.

Public officials, he said, must be role models because in his view, “a rotten fish starts from the head,” so regional heads must set a good example.

Luthfi also urged regional heads not to live a hedonistic lifestyle or flaunt wealth or assets, but to be a good example for the public.