Numerous Arrest Operations Prompt Interior Ministry to Stress Integrity of Regional Heads
The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), through the Head of the Human Resource Development Agency (BPSDM) Sugeng Hariyono, has stressed the importance of integrity for bureaucratic leaders. He stated that integrity is reflected in the alignment between words and actions, guided by the oath of office.
Sugeng made these remarks while speaking at the BPSDM Kemendagri Live Talk Show at the BPSDM Kemendagri office in Jakarta. The event, titled ‘Integrity in Leadership: Between the Temptations of Power and the Mandate of the People’, was broadcast via the BPSDMTV Kemendagri YouTube channel.
“Simply put, an integrity-filled leader does what they command. They fulfil what has been agreed upon for them. That is integrity,” said Sugeng Hariyono in a written statement on Friday (17/4/2026).
Sugeng revealed that cases of regional heads caught in the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) Handcuff Operations (OTT) serve as reminders for many parties. Therefore, BPSDM Kemendagri continues to remind regional heads not to break the law, including involvement in corruption.
He noted that various efforts have been made, such as incorporating anti-corruption materials in the Regional Heads Retreat forum involving the KPK, the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency, the Attorney General, the National Police Chief, and the Corruption Crime Eradication Corps (Kortas Tipikor).
“This covers the material side adequately. It means they have been reminded in layers upon layers,” he said.
Additionally, BPSDM Kemendagri has organised education and training programmes (diklat) for Civil Servants (ASN) and members of the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) with integrity-focused content. With this understanding, it is hoped that leaders can apply integrity values in carrying out their duties.
“Because they understand, they apply it. Because they know the risks, they won’t commit (corruption),” he explained.
On the same occasion, Inspector General of Kemendagri Sang Made Mahendra Jaya emphasised that integrity is inseparable from honesty and consistency towards the mandate. He highlighted the ongoing issue of regional heads entangled in corruption cases due to a lack of understanding of regulations. In his view, this indicates a lack of responsibility towards the position held.
“When becoming a regional head, if they don’t want to learn, what does that mean? They are not responsible to themselves; they should be honest. They should have said from afar, ‘Sir, I am not capable of being a regional head, don’t participate in the election’,” Mahendra asserted firmly.
Meanwhile, Deputy for Education and Public Participation of the KPK, Wawan Wardiana, expressed concern over the continued instances of regional heads caught in OTT operations. He affirmed that eradicating corruption is not solely the KPK’s responsibility but that of all elements of the nation.
“When the Corruption Perception Index (IPK) is announced, it shouldn’t just shock the KPK; all ministries and institutions in Indonesia should be shocked because they should have the same concern there,” Wawan explained.