KPK: Citizens must be smarter in choosing after nine regional heads caught in OTT operations

Jakarta — The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) believes that citizens must vote more intelligently during regional head elections (pilkada) following the arrest of nine regional heads elected in the 2024 pilkada through sting operations (OTT).

“The public must be smarter given these incidents,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday.

Asep further expressed hope that the enforcement actions against the nine regional heads would serve as a lesson to the public not to vote for politicians engaged in vote-buying.

“So it’s not just based on what is received or what is given, or pragmatic considerations. Just because you were given something does not mean you should vote for that candidate. Rather, truly choose those of quality,” he said.

The data on nine regional heads caught in the KPK sting operations represents an accumulation of anti-corruption enforcement actions between 2025 and 12 March 2026.

In 2025, the KPK arrested and named as suspects Regent Abdul Azis of East Kolaka, Governor Abdul Wahid of Riau, Regent Sugiri Sancoko of Ponorogo, Regent Ardito Wijaya of Central Lampung, and Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang of Bekasi on alleged corruption charges in separate cases.

From then until 12 March 2026, the regional heads arrested and named as suspects were Maidi, Mayor of Madiun; Regent Sudewo of Pati; Regent Fadia Arafiq of Pekalongan; and Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari of Rejang Lebong.