DPR Claims Surge in Regional Head OTTs Reflects Improved Law Enforcement

Deputy Chair of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Bahtra Banong, has responded to the string of sting operations (Operasi Tangkap Tangan, OTT) that have ensnared a number of regional heads by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) recently. Fifteen regional heads have been caught in KPK sting operations throughout President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.

Bahtra stated that the frequency of sting operations against regional heads reflects the improving law enforcement system in the era of President Prabowo Subianto. According to him, this clean-up effort aligns with President Prabowo’s consistent commitment to eradicating all forms of legal violations without discrimination.

Bahtra emphasised that any legal violations committed by regional officials must be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable rules and mechanisms. He assessed that the commitment to legal reform under the current government has been running optimally and can be witnessed directly by the public.

“Under President Prabowo’s administration, we can see that our law enforcement is getting better. Pak Prabowo is committed and consistent with what he has said, that in his government he truly wants to prioritise how law enforcement can run well and optimally,” Bahtra told journalists at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (16 July).

Bahtra explained that Commission II of the DPR RI continues to coordinate intensively with the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), which has direct authority over the guidance of regional heads. The focus of the guidance being pursued relates not only to preventing legal violations or corruption, but also to optimising public service performance.

Commission II of the DPR reminded of the essential basis of regional leadership, in which governors, regents and mayors have received a direct democratic mandate from the people. Therefore, their performance and programmes must be fully oriented towards the welfare and progress of their respective regions.

“We coordinate with Kemendagri at all times to continue providing guidance. Not only, of course, regarding legal violations, but most importantly, how our regional heads — who have been chosen by the people — must truly act in the best interests of the people, especially in their own regions,” Bahtra concluded.