Central Java Governor Responds to KPK Sting Operation in Cilacap
Semarang — Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated on Sunday that he has repeatedly emphasised the importance of integrity to officials in response to the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (KPK) sting operation in Cilacap Regency.
“I have repeatedly stressed and emphasised the matter of integrity,” he said in Semarang, responding to the arrest of Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman.
According to Luthfi, regional leaders, deputy regional leaders, and civil servants have been repeatedly reminded of the importance of maintaining integrity.
He expressed concern about the incident, particularly as two other regional leaders in Central Java had previously been implicated in corruption cases: the Regent of Pati and the Regent of Pekalongan.
Furthermore, Luthfi noted that the Central Java Provincial Government has collaborated with the KPK through coordination, supervision and prevention (Korsupgah) mechanisms to provide guidance to regional leaders and members of regional representative councils (DPRD).
During the World Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, officials were also warned against budget deviations and, most importantly, against violating the law.
Regarding the KPK’s legal proceedings against Cilacap Regent, Luthfi respected the anti-corruption agency’s actions.
He reiterated that the incident should serve as an important lesson for all regents, mayors, their deputies, and civil servants.
“This is a lesson for all of us public officials, particularly regents and mayors, to possess strong integrity. Integrity must not only be spoken but also demonstrated through action,” he said.
Such action should involve conduct that does not violate the law or abuse authority, ensuring that the bureaucracy operates cleanly and effectively.
“Clean governance and good governance must be the essence for regents, mayors, and their civil servants,” he continued.
Luthfi requested that Cilacap Regency’s government continue providing optimal services to the public, as the regional government is preparing to facilitate services for the Lebaran 2026 exodus and return.
Earlier, on 13 March 2026, the KPK announced a sting operation against Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman and 26 others, seizing cash in rupiah.
On 14 March 2026, the KPK announced that Syamsul Auliya Rachman (AUL) and Cilacap Regional Secretary Sadmoko Danardoo (SAD) were named suspects in an alleged extortion and unlawful receipt case within Cilacap Regency Government for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
AUL had targeted obtaining Rp750 million from the extortion, to be divided into Rp515 million for the year-end allowance (THR) of the Cilacap Regency leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda), with the remainder for personal interests. However, he had only obtained Rp610 million before being arrested by the KPK.