Facts Behind Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq’s OTT Sting Operation, Sekda Also Detained
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has again conducted an Operation Tangkap Tangan (OTT) early on Tuesday (3 March) in Semarang, Central Java. The sting targeted local leaders and government officials in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java.
A summary of facts gathered by CNNIndonesia.com:
Arrest of the Regent and close aides
KPK enforcement team arrested Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, along with her aides and trusted associates, in Semarang early on Tuesday, following information from the public.
“Earlier this morning, the team secured three individuals, including the Pekalongan Regent and two others who are her confidants and aides,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the agency’s office in Jakarta on Tuesday afternoon.
Sealing of offices in Pekalongan
In parallel with the arrests, the KPK sealed several offices, including the Regent’s office.
DetikJateng reported that the entrance of the Regent’s office, where a photo of Fadia is displayed, had been sealed by KPK. The two doors were sealed with white and red papers bearing the inscription ‘DALAM PENGAWASAN KPK’ and carry the KPK logo and the date 3-3-2026 with the investigator’s signature.
The same wording was found in several rooms of department heads, including the Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning (DPU Taru). The KPK seal was also observed in the Pekalongan Sekretariat.
Procurement case
The case under investigation relates to goods and services procurement (Pengadaan Barang dan Jasa, PBJ).
“The suspected criminal act in this sting operation relates to procurement of goods and services,” Budi said.
“One aspect concerns outsourcing procurement within Pekalongan Regency government, and it is believed to concern several departments,” he added.
11 people moved to Jakarta
After initial examinations in Pekalongan, the KPK decided to bring 11 people — civil servants from the Pekalongan Regency government — to Jakarta. Among them was Sekretaris Daerah Mohammad Yulian Akbar.
They arrived at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in South Jakarta on Tuesday night around 21:00 WIB.
CNNIndonesia.com observed at the KPK office that Yulian Akbar and several other Pekalongan ASN were transported by bus.
Evidence seized & vehicles
The KPK seized electronic evidence (BBE) and several motor vehicles in relation to the Pekalongan OTT.
“We will provide updates. Among the items seized are BBE and some vehicles,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told reporters at the agency’s office on Tuesday night.
Golkar reacts
The Golkar Party commented on the KPK OTT of Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, who is also a Golkar member.
Sekjen Golkar Sarmuji said the party is concerned and regrets that one of its cadres is involved in an OTT during Ramadan.
He urged all Golkar members holding public office to administer governance within the bounds of proper procedures and law.
“We urge all cadres who hold public office to govern in accordance with the proper framework of governance,” Sarmuji said when contacted on Tuesday.
He added that Golkar respects due process and that the party has legal aid resources if any cadre needs assistance.
“We have a legal aid institution; anyone can request assistance if needed,” Sarmuji said.
Intensive questioning & case conference
A total of 14 people caught red-handed were immediately subjected to intensive questioning upon arrival at the KPK office. On Tuesday evening, KPK had already conducted a case conference (gelar perkara) to determine the legal status of the individuals involved.
Today, Wednesday (4/3) afternoon, KPK is planned to hold a press conference regarding the OTT.
OTTs in 2026
Citing Antara, the arrest of Fadia Arafiq and her close associates marks the seventh KPK OTT in 2026.
Earlier, KPK began the year with its first OTT on 9-10 January 2026, arresting eight people over alleged bribery in a tax investigation at the North Jakarta Tax Office under the Directorate General of Taxes, Ministry of Finance, for the 2021-2026 period.
The second OTT occurred on 19 January 2026, with the arrest of Madiun Mayor Maidi, who faced charges of extortion involving project handouts and CSR and other forms of gratification in Madiun City, East Java.
On the same day, 19 January 2026, the third OTT arrested Pati Regent Sudewo for suspected extortion in the appointment of village officials within Pati Regency, Central Java.
The fourth OTT, on 4 February 2026, targeted the KPP Madya in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, over issues related to tax restitution processes in that office.
On 4 February 2026, the fifth OTT was announced, involving the import of counterfeit goods (KW) and included the former Head of Enforcement and Investigation at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (Kemenkeu), Rizal, who was then serving as Head of the Sumatera Bagian Barat Regional Office.
The sixth OTT was revealed on 5 February 2026, concerning a corruption case in the settlement of a 6,500 square metre land dispute at the Depok District Court in West Java. The KPK named Depok District Court Chief I Wayan Eka Mariarta, Deputy Chief Bambang Setyawan, and the CEO of PT Karabha Digdaya (a Kemenkeu subsidiary) as suspects.