Minister Tito Karnavian Urges Regional Heads to Maintain Integrity After West Lombok Regent's Arrest

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has reminded regional heads to maintain their integrity and engage in self-reflection after West Lombok Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini was caught in a sting operation (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Speaking after a plenary cabinet session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday evening, Tito expressed his concern. “I am concerned, because our regional heads have been given a retreat, then given initial briefings, and a more transparent financial system has been created, and guidance has been provided. They were even gathered by the President in Sentul, yet this still happens,” he told reporters.

“Secondly, it comes back to the integrity of each individual. So, I hope that with these OTTs, regional heads, including the one in West Lombok, and other regional heads, will all be more self-aware, engage in introspection, and not commit violations, especially criminal acts of corruption,” he added.

The KPK arrested Lalu Ahmad Zaini along with more than a dozen other individuals in the sting operation on Monday morning. Following the arrest, Zaini was temporarily detained at his official residence. This operation marks the 17th OTT conducted by the KPK in 2026.

During the operation, the KPK seized hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash and documents believed to be related to the alleged corruption. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that the West Lombok Regent is suspected of receiving money in connection with several projects within the West Lombok Regency Government, West Nusa Tenggara.

Zaini was subsequently brought to the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta for further examination. Under the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK has 1x24 hours from the time of arrest to determine the legal status of those caught in the operation.