KPK Reminds Regional Heads of Retreat Results, Demands End to Corrupt Practices

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has stressed that sting operations (OTT) remain a crucial instrument in eradicating corruption, even after the regional heads’ retreat that focused on prevention. Acting Director of Investigations at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, explained that enforcement measures through OTT are carried out to fully support President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to cleaning up regional governance. “This is certainly a challenge for the KPK to assist the President’s duties in cleaning up regional heads who do not act in accordance with the purpose of the retreat itself,” Taufik said at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/7). Taufik reminded that enforcement against regional heads through OTT is not new for the anti-corruption agency. He therefore urged all regional heads to immediately abandon any intention or cease all forms of corrupt practices. “It should serve as a lesson, and practices aimed at enriching oneself and draining regional finances in their respective areas should be stopped,” he asserted. The strong statement was made following the announcement that West Lombok Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini had been named a suspect in a corruption case. Zaini is the 16th regional head elected in the 2024 regional elections to be implicated in a corruption case by the KPK. Previously, from 2025 to 18 July 2026, the KPK had arrested and named 15 regional heads from the 2024 elections as corruption suspects. The five regional heads arrested throughout 2025 included East Kolaka Regent Abdul Azis, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko, Central Lampung Regent Ardito Wijaya, and Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang. Meanwhile, throughout 2026, the list of regional heads caught by KPK enforcement includes 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, and Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani.