KPK-Governor Ahmad Luthfi Denies Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq's Statement
Gubernur Jawa Tengah Ahmad Luthfi was surprised when his name was mentioned by Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq during an operation Tangkap Tangan (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Fadia said that at the time of the KPK operation she was with the Governor of Central Java.
Governor Ahmad Luthfi firmly denied Fadia’s claim. The KPK reinforced this denial via Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu during a press conference with reporters.
Luthfi said he only learned of Fadia’s involvement in the KPK operation from news on Tuesday morning, 3 March 2026. “I only learned of it on Tuesday morning from the media,” he said.
When asked about Fadia’s claim that on Monday (3 February 2026) night she visited Ahmad Luthfi’s residence, he affirmed. However, he stated that the meeting involved not only them but several officials including the Regent of Tegal and the Vice Regent of Purbalingga. They discussed the progress of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in their respective regions ahead of the MBG coordination meeting at the Central Java Provincial Government on Tuesday afternoon, 3 March 2026. The MBG coordination meeting at the Central Java Provincial Government was led by the Coordinating Minister for Food Security Zulkifli Hasan and was attended by the Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikdasmen), the Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), and the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
On Monday evening, Luthfi said, Fadia also requested permission not to attend the MBG coordination meeting at the Central Java Provincial Government. “That Monday evening I had an iftar gathering with friends from Anshor. After that, the Regent of Pekalongan, the Regent of Tegal and the Vice Regent of Purbalingga reported MBG progress. Then Mrs Fadia asked to be excused from attending the coordination meeting on Tuesday with the Minister. After it was over, everyone went home,” Luthfi explained.
Moreover, Luthfi said the episode should serve as a lesson for all regents and mayors. Especially since the Central Java Provincial Government collaborates with Korsupgah KPK to prevent corruption. The provincial government works with Korsupgah KPK to provide guidance to local leaders up to members of the regional parliament (DPRD). Also, on World Anti-Corruption Day, they were warned not to engage in budgetary irregularities. Preventive actions were taken, as such incidents can arise from opportunities and ill intent.
The Governor stressed that this incident should be a lesson for all regional leaders and civil servants to continue building a clean and well-run administration. Most importantly, they must not break the law. Public officials, he said, must be role models because, in his view, “a rotten fish starts from the head.” Regional leaders must set a good example. He also urged that regional leaders should not live a hedonistic lifestyle or flaunt wealth or assets. “We must be a good example, how? Through a healthy, clean bureaucracy that adheres to the rule of law,” he added.
Meanwhile, at a press conference, the KPK rejected the notion that Fadia was arrested together with the Central Java Governor. “During our time at the post, there was no information of that. We maintained continuous communication with on-site officers,” said Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu.
Earlier, statements circulated that after her arrest the Regent said she was with Governor Ahmad Luthfi. Many interpreted that Fadia had been arrested with Ahmad Luthfi. The statements by the KPK and the Governor thus refute Fadia’s claim.
Herdiansyah emphasised that a politician should build a career from the bottom to sharpen their thinking, including knowledge of political practices. Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq admitted she did not realise she had committed a corruption offence. She said she had no knowledge of corruption due to her background as a dangdut singer. The KPK revealed that Fadia Arafiq had already been warned by the Secretary of the Regional Secretariat and other officials to secure her family’s company as a regional vendor. The KPK named Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq as a suspect in a case of alleged procurement corruption and outsourcing services in her region. The KPK explained the modus operandi used by Fadia. The KPK named Fadia as a suspect in a Rp46 billion project. The money flowed to her husband and child through the family company.