Central Java Governor 'Nagged' Officials Before Pemalang Regent's Arrest in KPK Sting

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has expressed his dismay over the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) sting operation (OTT) that caught Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro. He stated that various preventive measures had been repeatedly emphasised to all regional heads in Central Java. “We await an official statement from the KPK. As Governor of Central Java, I am very concerned and regret this incident,” Luthfi said in Semarang on Wednesday. He stressed that the Provincial Government had intensified corruption prevention efforts, including through retreats, integrity training involving the KPK’s Prevention Deputy, and the signing of integrity pacts. “We have been nagging them with reminders. After previous OTTs, we gathered them again and issued warnings,” he added. Regarding the alleged buying and selling of positions and gratuities that ensnared Anom Widiyantoro, Luthfi urged all parties to wait for the KPK’s official statement. He confirmed that a merit system is in place for appointments, based on competence, performance, and professionalism. “A leader’s only duty is responsibility. Taking money or asking for payment is forbidden,” he asserted. The KPK seized over Rp2 billion in cash and sealed several offices within the Pemalang Regency Government as part of the investigation. The provincial government is now awaiting the KPK’s official decision to appoint an acting regent and has prepared a team to assist the Pemalang administration to ensure public services continue uninterrupted.