Eight regional heads in the Prabowo era hit by KPK sting, Bima Arya: Different parties, no protection

JAKARTA — Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto has revealed that eight regional heads from the 2024 elections who were swept up in an arrest operation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) originate from a variety of parties. He says this demonstrates that no regional head enjoys protection or privilege. ‘In other words, law enforcement does not show favouritism towards regional heads who commit corruption. There is also no protection or privilege. Everyone must shun corruption,’ Bima Arya told reporters on Thursday (5 March 2026). ‘A regional head is the highest leader of the bureaucratic governance in their region. Not only must they master it, but they must also oversee and be fully responsible. This is what should be understood when deciding to become a regional head,’ he explained. ‘If their background is not political governance, then learn quickly. It is not possible to entrust everything to the secretary to implement. Because the secretary (Sekda) carries out orders to coordinate policy as the senior-most bureaucrat,’ he added.