KPK asserts it does not discriminate between large or small corruption cases
The Corruption Eradasting Commission (KPK) has asserted that it does not select cases based on the magnitude of the offence when conducting anti-corruption enforcement.
“We do not discriminate, saying, ‘oh, this is a large case’ or ‘oh, this is a small case.’ As long as it meets the qualifications of a corruption crime and falls within the KPK’s authority, we will carry out enforcement activities,” stated the Acting Director of Investigations at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, at the KPK Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Taufik made these remarks prior to the KPK announcing the results of a sting operation (OTT) involving the Regent of North Bolaang Mongondow, Sirajudin Lasena. According to him, the operation serves as evidence that the KPK does not cherry-pick cases or target specific parties.
“This proves that in conducting our activities, we are purely not aiming at or targeting certain parties. This is purely a follow-up to reports received from the community,” he said. He added that the commission continues to monitor complaints submitted to the KPK, both from the central government and regional areas.
Meanwhile, KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the operation against Sirajudin serves as a warning to state administrators and regional public officials not to assume that the KPK only operates in major cities.
“State administrators or public officials in the regions should never assume that because a location is far from the capital, far from Jakarta, the KPK—specifically through the Deputy for Enforcement and Execution—will not respond to community reports regarding alleged corruption,” said Budi.
Previously, on 21 September 2026, the KPK arrested Sirajudin along with 13 others in its 21st sting operation of 2026. On Tuesday (22/9), the KPK officially named Sirajudin a suspect in an alleged extortion case within the North Bolaang Mongondow Regency Government.
The KPK also seized Rp200 million in cash during the operation, consisting of Rp130 million found in a hotel room in Jakarta, Rp50 million in a suitcase at the Regent’s residence, and Rp20 million at the residence of the Head of the North Bolaang Mongondow Public Works Department (PUPR).
In the case construction, the KPK suspects Sirajudin set a project fee of 10 per cent for the procurement of goods and services within the North Bolaang Mongondow Regency Government. The KPK alleges that a private party subsequently handed over Rp130 million—part of the 10 per cent fee—for a construction project for the Sangkub IV Road, valued at Rp1.9 billion.
This amount included Rp350 million from the Head of the North Bolaang Mongondow Environmental Office, who previously served as the Head of the Health Office, as well as Rp10.79 billion from other parties.
Sirajudin served as the Acting Regent of North Bolaang Mongondow during 2023–2024, and held the position of Regent for the 2025–2030 term starting in 2025. The KPK suspects Sirajudin of violating Article 12 letter e and/or Article 12B of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes. He has been detained for the initial 20-day period from 22 September to 11 October 2026 at the KPK Merah Putih Building detention centre.