Numerous Regional Heads Caught in OTT Operations; KPK Highlights Integrity of Leaders Misusing Authority

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has highlighted the prevalence of regional heads being ensnared in hand-catching operations (OTT) due to suspected corruption.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that corruption is not merely a result of misunderstandings in the governance system, but also due to the weak integrity of individual leaders.

“Even a good system will still find loopholes to be exploited if leadership is not underpinned by integrity,” Budi said in his statement on Wednesday (18/3/2026).

“The same modus operandi often recurs repeatedly. From project bribes, extortion, the buying and selling of positions, to gratuities. If we trace the common thread, it all points to the misuse of authority,” Budi explained.

KPK assesses that regulations alone are not enough to stop corrupt behaviour. Regional leaders need to set an example for their subordinates.

The routine OTT operations occurring recently serve as a warning and a strong signal for the government to make improvements.

“Not only strengthening governance, but also building leadership that is integrous and oriented towards public service,” Budi added.

Several mentoring programmes are being implemented, one of which is the Anti-Corruption District/City Pilot Programme carried out jointly with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of State Apparatus Utilisation and Bureaucratic Reform, Financial and Development Supervisory Agency, and the Republic of Indonesia Ombudsman.

“Specifically in 2026, KPK is conducting observations on four regions projected to become pilot candidates, namely Tangerang City, Palangkaraya City, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, and Asahan Regency,” Budi said.

“Meanwhile, there are already 167 villages (2021-2025) that are part of efforts to expand good practices in clean and transparent government governance,” Budi stated.

Most recently, Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman was arrested on Friday (13/3/2026) for alleged extortion of Eid al-Fitr holiday allowances (THR).

Then, Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq was designated as a suspect in a case of alleged corruption in the procurement of outsourcing services and other procurements in Pekalongan Regency for the 2023-2026 fiscal year on Wednesday (4/3/2026).

Meanwhile, Pati Regent Sudewo was caught in an OTT on Tuesday (20/1/2026) related to a case of extortion in the filling of village apparatus positions.