KPK Assures Sting Operations Against Regional Heads Free from Political Motives

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has assured that its sting operations targeting regional heads are completely free from political elements. “I guarantee it is far from such political elements,” said Acting Director of Investigation at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/7).

Taufik made the statement in response to the KPK’s sting operations against Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, also known as Ondim, and West Lombok Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini, also known as LAZ. Both had previously served as Chair of the Regional Executive Board for the National Mandate Party (PAN). “This is due to public complaints, and we followed up on them, and it just so happens that these cases possibly involve PAN,” he said.

Syah Afandin was caught in the KPK’s 15th sting operation throughout 2026, while Lalu Ahmad Zaini was caught in the agency’s 17th operation this year. Both were arrested in operations conducted this July. Overall, from 2025 to 22 July 2026, a total of 16 regional heads elected in the 2024 Regional Elections have been arrested and named as suspects in alleged corruption cases.

The regional heads arrested and named as corruption suspects during 2025 include East Kolaka Regent Abdul Azis, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko, Central Lampung Regent Ardito Wijaya, and Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang. During 2026, the regional heads arrested and named as suspects include Madiun Mayor Maidi, Pati Regent Sudewo, Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo, Muara Enim Regent Edison, Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby, Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani, and West Lombok Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini.