Many Regional Heads Arrested for Corruption; Home Ministry Claims Repeated Warnings

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Head of the Human Resource Development Agency (BPSDM) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), Sugeng Hariyono, stated that the entrapment of regional heads in the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) hand arrest operations serves as a reminder to many parties. Sugeng reminded all regional heads to stay away from corrupt practices. He also referenced the Regional Heads Retreat forum, which featured speakers from the KPK, the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the Attorney General, the National Police Chief, and the Corruption Crime Eradication Corps (Kortas Tipikor). “From a material perspective, there is no shortage. It means they have been reminded in layers upon layers,” Sugeng said in his statement on Friday (17/4/2026). This training targets Civil Servants (ASN) as well as members of the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD). By understanding the importance of integrity, Sugeng said, leaders are expected to implement that behaviour. “Because they understand, they implement it. Because they know the risks, they don’t commit (corruption),” he stated. Furthermore, Sugeng emphasised that the integrity of a bureaucratic leader is demonstrated through words and actions that refer to the oath and promise of office. He explained that in various forums, the Ministry of Home Affairs continues to remind regional heads not to violate the law, including committing corruption crimes. On the same occasion, Inspector General (Irjen) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, said that the integrity of a leader is inseparable from honesty and consistency towards the trust entrusted. This includes honesty about the ability to lead, as well as understanding various laws and regulations related to duties and functions. Therefore, Mahendra regretted the existence of regional heads caught for corruption on the grounds of not understanding the regulations. According to him, such an excuse shows that the regional head in question is not responsible for the trust or authority entrusted.