KPK Warns Regional Leaders Against Demanding Holiday Bonus "Cut", Threatens Firm Action
The KPK is currently investigating two cases involving two regional heads: Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, both related to allegations of demanding a share of holiday bonuses (THR). Drawing lessons from these two cases, the KPK has issued a warning that no other regional heads should attempt to demand a portion of THR.
This warning was conveyed by KPK Deputy for Prosecution and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu during a press conference on the detention of Cilacap Regent Syamsul. Asep delivered a message that during the remainder of Ramadan, the KPK will continue to work monitoring every allegation of corruption practices, including demands for THR shares at the regional level.
“Now there may be only a few more days ahead, the 25th day of Ramadan, which means there are about 5 days left. Don’t think that because of Eid we want to go home and allow corruption to take place during this upcoming period,” Asep said at the KPK building in South Jakarta on Saturday (14 March 2026).
“No. We will continue to be present to take action if there are still those who insist on committing corruption offences,” he added.
Asep stated that regional heads should remain committed to not resorting to any means to obtain THR. He assured that the KPK’s investigation team will continue to work even during the Eid holiday.
“So don’t think ‘maybe the investigators will go home’, like that, no,” he said.
Asep also mentioned that the KPK had issued a circular warning asking state administrators not to accept any form of gratification ahead of the holiday season. He stated that if this warning is not heeded, investigators will take action.
“Because we have already given a warning and issued a circular, but they still continue doing this. It becomes our obligation to take action. Because prevention efforts have been taken, but they are still not being heeded or followed. Yes, action must be taken,” he concluded.
For context, the KPK recently named Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman as a suspect along with Cilacap Regency Secretary Sadmoko Danardono in connection with allegations of extortion against department heads (Kadis) for THR purposes. Regent Syamsul and Secretary Sadmoko even set targets for collecting money and issued threats against department heads who failed to meet the THR demand.
Both are alleged to have violated Article 12 letter e and/or Article 12B of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning Corruption Eradication as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Corruption Eradication juncto Article 20 letter c of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.