KPK Reveals Many Regional Heads Engage in Corruption Due to High Political Costs

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has exposed corruption cases ensnaring regional heads from the 2024 Pilkada. Following the 2024 Pilkada, the KPK has at least designated suspects in eleven cases involving regional heads suspected of criminal corruption acts. The methods vary, ranging from bribery for positions, deviations in procurement of goods and services (PBJ) for regional projects, to extortion. Moreover, KPK findings indicate that the motives for these corrupt acts are mostly linked to personal interests, including fulfilling needs such as holiday allowances (THR). The KPK also observes that these corrupt actions are triggered by the high cost of politics, leading regional heads to resort to any means to recover their investments. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the proliferation of graft cases involving regional heads renders public office no longer neutral but a meeting point for various interests. “Public office often becomes a convergence of interests, including as a tool for quid pro quo or political financing,” he said on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. The following are the regional heads arrested by the KPK after the 2024 Pilkada: 1. Regent of East Kolaka, Abdul Azis. 2. Governor of Riau, Abdul Wahid. 3. Regent of Ponorogo, Sugiri Sancoko. 4. Regent of Central Lampung, Ardito Wijaya. 5. Regent of Bekasi, Ade Kuswara Kunang. 6. Mayor of Madiun, Maidi. 7. Regent of Pati, Sudewo. 8. Regent of Pekalongan, Fadia Arafiq. 9. Regent of Rejang Lebong, Muhammad Fikri Thobari. 10. Regent of Cilacap, Syamsul Auliya Rachman. 11. Regent of Tulungagung, Gatut Sunu Wibowo.