DPR and Government Must Evaluate Surge in Bupatis Arrested in Anti-Corruption Operations

Jakarta – The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, has stated that the DPR and government must jointly evaluate the increasing number of regents (bupatis) arrested in anti-corruption operations (OTT) on suspicion of corruption.

“Indeed, we must conduct evaluations across all levels regarding this matter,” Puan said at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, responding to questions about the surge in bupatis being arrested in OTT operations.

According to her, the government should consider providing accountability education programmes to all regional heads. She believes that fostering accountability awareness among regional leaders is crucial.

“It is not just about oversight of accountability, but how we can cultivate awareness to mutually protect one another,” she said.

Additionally, she questioned the connection between the surge in bupatis caught in legal cases and the high cost of political campaigns in election contests.

Previously, several bupatis from various regions have been caught up in legal issues related to alleged corruption, including the Regents of Pekalongan, Ponorogo, Pati, and Rejang Lebong.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), which has designated several bupatis as suspects, continues to deepen investigations into these cases and is examining various witnesses related to them.