KPK Applies Conflict-of-Interest Clause to Fadia Arafiq Based on Sting Operation Evidence

Jakarta—KPK has applied Article 12(i) of Law No. 20 of 2001 on the Eradication of Corruption (UU Tipikor) through a Sting Operation (OTT) that ensnared Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said the application of this provision is the first time the anti-corruption commission has used it. Deputy for Enforcement and Prosecution at the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, said the OTT conducted by the KPK is often related to bribery and extortion, but this time the KPK applied Article 12(i) of the UU Tipikor in connection with a conflict of interest. Asep explained that the article was used because it references evidence found during the quiet operation, namely electronic evidence (EE) comprising documentation of money withdrawals and the content of text messages via WhatsApp relating to a request by Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq. “The Pekalongan Regent is suspected of committing offences as regulated by Article 12(i) of the UU Tipikor, hence the handling refers to the evidence found during the sting operation,” he said in a press conference at the Merah Putih Building on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. “Article 12(i) of the UU Tipikor is applied to Public Officials or State Administrators who knowingly participate, directly or indirectly, in bribes, procurement or leases that they are tasked to supervise,” he added. Asep said the article provides a framework that covers situations of conflict of interest and abuse of power, and aims to prevent conflict of interest and corruption in the procurement of goods and services in government. “Where officials use their offices to obtain personal gains that lead to injustice and corruption in procurement,” he added. The text of the provision is as follows: UU No. 20 of 2001 on the Eradication of Corruption Article 12. Punished by life imprisonment or imprisonment for a minimum of 4 (four) years and a maximum of 20 (twenty) years with a minimum fine of Rp 200,000,000 (two hundred million rupiah) and a maximum fine of Rp 1,000,000,000 (one billion rupiah).