List of Regional Heads Caught in KPK Sting Operations During 2026
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested ten regional heads in sting operations (Operasi Tangkap Tangan, OTT) during 2026.
The corruption methods used by these regional heads varied, ranging from extortion and gratuities to the buying and selling of official positions.
CNNIndonesia.com has compiled the list of regional heads caught in KPK sting operations as follows:
- Maidi, Mayor of Madiun
The KPK arrested a total of 15 people, including Maidi, in a sting operation in the city of Madiun on 19 January. In this case, Maidi was named a suspect for extortion of CSR funds and gratuities. The KPK also charged two other suspects: Maidi’s confidant Rochim Ruhdiyanto and the Head of the Madiun City Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency, Thariq Megah.
- Sudewo, Regent of Pati
The KPK arrested Pati Regent Sudewo and several other parties in a sting operation on 19 January. In the operation, the KPK seized Rp2.6 billion in cash suspected to be connected to the corruption case implicating Sudewo.
Sudewo was named a suspect over alleged extortion in the filling of village official positions. Besides Sudewo, the KPK named three other suspects: Abdul Suyono, Village Head of Karangrowo in Jakenan District; Sumarjiono, Village Head of Arumanis in Jaken District; and Karjan, Village Head of Sukorukun in Jaken District.
- Fadia Arafiq, Regent of Pekalongan
The KPK arrested Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq along with his aide and confidant in a sting operation in Semarang, Central Java, on 3 March. The arrest was reportedly made while Fadia was charging his electric vehicle at a public EV charging station (SPKLU).
Fadia was subsequently named a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving outsourcing procurement services and other procurement within the Pekalongan Regency Government for the 2023-2026 budget years.
- Muhammad Fikri Tobari, Regent of Rejang Lebong
The KPK carried out a sting operation in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province, on 9 March. A total of 13 people were arrested, including Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari.
The KPK later named five suspects in an alleged bribery case related to project advances (ijon proyek) in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province, for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Two suspects were named as bribe recipients: Rejang Lebong Regent for the 2025-2030 term Muhammad Fikri Thobari, and Harry Eko Purnomo, Head of the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas Agency (PUPRPKP).
The three bribe givers were Irsyad Satria Budiman from PT Statika Mitra Sarana; Edi Manggala from CV Manggala Utama; and Youki Yusdiantoro from CV Alpagker Abadi.
- Syamsul Auliya Rahman, Regent of Cilacap
The KPK arrested Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman in a sting operation on 13 March. A total of 27 people were detained during the operation.
The KPK subsequently named Syamsul a suspect in a case involving demands for Idulfitri holiday allowances (THR) for 2026. In addition, the Cilacap Regional Secretary, Sadmoko Danardono, was also named a suspect.
- Gatut Sunu Wibowo, Regent of Tulungagung
The KPK arrested a total of 18 people, including Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo, in a sting operation in East Java on 10 April.
The KPK then named Gatut Sunu Wibowo and his aide Dwi Yoga Ambal as suspects in a case of alleged extortion and other receipts within the Tulungagung Regency Government for the 2025-2026 budget years.
- Edison, Regent of Muara Enim
The KPK conducted a sting operation in Jakarta and South Sumatra on 7-8 June 2026. Ten people were arrested.
Five came from the Muara Enim Regency Government, one of whom was Muara Enim Regent Edison, while the other five were private parties.
The KPK named Edison a suspect in an alleged bribery case related to several procurement activities and the receipt of gratuities.
In addition, three other people were named suspects: Abi Nurwardani, Secretary of the Education and Culture Agency in 2026; Adi Triadi, a private party and the regent’s nephew; and Cory Erin Hardi from PT Millenium Solusi Abadi.
- Suhardiman Amby, Regent of Kuantan Singingi
The KPK arrested a total of ten people in a sting operation in Kuantan Singingi Regency and Jakarta in June. Nine people were arrested in Kuantan Singingi Regency, while one was arrested in Jakarta.
After the operation, the KPK warned Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby and Kuansing Regional Secretary Zulkarnaen to cooperate and surrender themselves. Both subsequently surrendered to the KPK in June.
The KPK later named both of them suspects in an alleged bribery case involving the buying and selling of official positions. In addition, the KPK also named Ardiles, Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant, as a suspect.
- Syah Afandin, Regent of Langkat
The KPK carried out a sting operation against Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, also known as Ondim, on 2 July at his residence. The KPK denied reports that the arrest took place at an event held by the Association of Indonesian Regency Governments (APKASI) in the same area.
In addition to Syah, the KPK arrested one civil servant (ASN) of the Langkat Regency Government and five private individuals. The operation was conducted in three locations: Langkat, Binjai and Medan.
During the operation, the KPK also arrested six other people comprising one civil servant within the Langkat administration and five private parties.
The KPK subsequently named Syah a suspect in connection with project-related bribery. In addition, the KPK also named Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif, a private party who served on Afandin’s successful 2024 regional election campaign team, as a suspect in the case.
- Etik Suharyani, Regent of Sukoharjo
The KPK conducted a sting operation in Sukoharjo, Central Java, on Thursday evening (9/7), arresting Regent Etik Suryani. A total of five people were detained, including Etik.
Etik was subsequently named a suspect in an alleged extortion case within the Sukoharjo Regency Government. Two others were also named suspects: Richard Tri Handoko and Tri Mulyo, both civil servants within the Sukoharjo Regency Government.