Golkar Deputy Chair Mocks Fadia's Excuse, Urges Focus on Following the Legal Process

The Deputy General Chairman (Waketum) of the Golkar Party, Ahmad Doli Kurnia, responded to Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq’s claim that her background as a dangdut musician made her unfamiliar with bureaucratic rules. Doli advised Fadia to focus on following the legal process currently underway at the KPK and to refrain from making extensive statements for the time being.

‘The suggestion is that it would be better for you, Ms. Fadia, to focus on following the legal process being conducted by the KPK. No need to comment much for now,’ Doli told reporters on Friday (6 March 2026).

He argued that admitting to not understanding governance could instead create a negative perception among the public. He stressed that there is no justification for any violation.

‘Moreover, statements such as not knowing about governance and the like are counterproductive and may invite public disapproval,’ he said.

‘So in my view, ’No excuses’. If you truly feel you are not guilty, go through the process and prove it in law. Say it as it is, reveal all the facts and evidence whether during the investigation or perhaps up to court,’ he added.

Furthermore, Doli said his party will continue to provide training for cadres who serve as public officials. He said the training would be conducted again after Eid al-Fitr.

‘Therefore, regarding preparations and training programmes for all Golkar-affiliated public officials, especially regional heads, these will continue to be carried out routinely. In fact, there are plans to hold another session after the Eid,’ he said.

Earlier, the KPK named Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq (FAR) as a suspect in an alleged corruption case for taking part in a procurement project in the Pekalongan Regency. The KPK disclosed that Fadia claimed her background as a dangdut musician made her not understand the rules.

‘During the intensive questioning, FAR explained that she comes from a background as a musician; she is not a bureaucrat. This is what Ms FAR conveyed; consequently, Ms FAR does not understand the law and governance of regional administration,’ said KPK Enforcement and Execution Deputy Asep Guntur Rahayu at a press conference at the KPK Building, Jalan Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (4/3).

Asep said Fadia also argued that bureaucratic affairs were handed over to the regional secretary (Sekda). He said she admitted to focusing more on ceremonial duties.

‘FAR admitted that technical bureaucratic matters were handed over to the regional secretary (Sekda), while she carried out more ceremonial functions within Pekalongan Regency,’ he said.