KPK's Raid Becomes Momentum for Governance Reform in Tulungagung Regency

Tulungagung, East Java (ANTARA) - The sting operation (OTT) against inactive Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has become a momentum for reforming governance in Tulungagung Regency, although on the other hand, it has caused a traumatic effect among civil servants (ASN) in the area.

“Since the reform era, Tulungagung Regency has been whipped by the KPK several times. This must be a lesson for us,” said Acting Regent (Plt) of Tulungagung Ahmad Baharudin in Tulungagung, East Java, on Monday.

He stated that the incident that occurred in 2026 is not the first time experienced by Tulungagung, so it must be a serious evaluation material for the entire local government apparatus.

According to him, the psychological impact post-OTT makes officials and ASN tend to be more cautious in implementing programmes.

On one side, he said, this is positive for preventing corrupt practices, but on the other side, it is feared that it could hinder development innovation.

To maintain government stability, Tulungagung Regency Government plans to gather all heads of regional device organisations (OPD), including those who have been questioned by the KPK.

This step is taken to unify perceptions and ensure that development programmes continue to run according to plan without ignoring the principle of prudence.

In addition, they will also conduct internal clarifications on a number of OPD heads who have been summoned by KPK investigators as part of bureaucratic reorganisation efforts.

Baharudin emphasised that the local government is committed to improving the system so that corrupt practices, collusion, and nepotism do not recur.