KPK: Corruption Among Regional Heads Driven by Multiple Factors, Including High Political Costs

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has emphasised that corrupt practices committed by regional heads are caused by a variety of aspects. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that corruption is often not born from a single factor but is influenced by various aspects, including individual integrity and systemic weaknesses that create opportunities for irregularities. Nevertheless, the KPK acknowledged that one of the contributing factors is the high political cost in general elections and regional head elections. According to the KPK, a link has been found between political campaign funding and the actions of elected regional heads. For example, in the case in Ponorogo, there was an allegation that a political funder gained access to arrange projects and obtain profits after the candidate took office. In another case in Langkat, a private party who was part of the campaign team allegedly received various work packages after the supported candidate was elected. Throughout 2025, the KPK arrested and named several regional heads as suspects, including the Regent of East Kolaka Abdul Azis, Governor of Riau Abdul Wahid, Regent of Ponorogo Sugiri Sancoko, Regent of Central Lampung Ardito Wijaya, and Regent of Bekasi Ade Kuswara Kunang. This trend continued into 2026 with the arrests of the Mayor of Madiun Maidi, Regent of Pati Sudewo, Regent of Pekalongan Fadia Arafiq, Regent of Rejang Lebong Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Regent of Cilacap Syamsul Auliya Rachman, Regent of Tulungagung Gatut Sunu Wibowo, Regent of Muara Enim Edison, Regent of Kuantan Singingi Suhardiman Amby, and Regent of Sukoharjo Etik Suryani.