KPK Refutes Ex-Dangdut Singer Fadia Arafiq's Claim of Not Understanding Corruption Rules
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has firmly rejected Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq’s claim that she does not understand the legal rules governing corruption offences. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said the explanation is not acceptable, noting that Fadia’s long political track record in the local government should have equipped her to understand how a clean governance system operates, especially as she has already served two terms as head of the region and previously as Vice Regent.
‘As a regional head, especially one who has served two terms and previously as Vice Regent, she should understand how local governance is managed,’ Budi said in Jakarta on Sunday (8/3/2026).
Rather than being at the forefront of fighting corruption in her area, the KPK found that Fadia was an intellectual actor in a suspected outsourcing procurement case in Pekalongan. Prasetyo stressed that a regional head bears a heavy responsibility to create good governance and deliver excellent public services, not to entangle the region in corrupt practices.
‘One must be able to create good governance and provide the best services to the public, so this is a mandatory competency and a clear vision for building the region,’ he added.
The KPK investigation uncovered a modus operandi involving systematic abuse of power. Fadia is alleged to have traded in her influence as regent to secure strategic projects in Pekalongan. Ironically, the illicit practices were not carried out alone; the KPK found involvement of the governor’s family members and trusted associates to intervene with Satker and other regional apparatus to win her companies’ bids.
‘There were conflicts of interest and even efforts to influence through related parties, including family and trusted aides, pressuring Satker and other regional bodies to win her companies’ bids,’ Budi concluded.
The case serves as a stark reminder to public officials that a past profession cannot be used as a legal shield for corruption committed while in office. (
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Earlier, on 4 February 2026, the KPK conducted an operation to arrest at Ditjen Bea Cukai Kemenkeu. The KPK subsequently conducted searches of several rooms within the Pekalongan Regency Setda on Friday afternoon (6 March) related to the Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq case.