Numerous Regional Heads Entangled in Corruption: Is Socialisation and Prevention No Longer Effective?

JAKARTA - At least six regional heads have been ensnared in sting operations (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) over the past four months. The six regional heads are Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya, Rejang Lebong Regent Fikri Thobari, Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, Madiun Mayor Maidi, Pati Regent Sudewo, and most recently, Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo. These six add to the list of regional heads arrested by the KPK in the previous year. In 2025, the KPK also arrested several regional heads, namely East Kolaka Regent Abdul Azis, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko, Central Lampung Regent Ardito Wijaya, and Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang. So, what is causing these regional heads to seemingly not learn from their peers? According to the Chairman of the IM57+ Institute, Lakso Anindito, the phenomenon of chain corruption among regional heads proves that socialisation and prevention efforts are not solving the corruption problem. “Prevention and socialisation will not be able to resolve this issue because regional heads will still engage in (corruption),” Lakso told Kompas.com via text message on Monday (13/4/2026). The higher the risk of committing corruption, the better the enforcement system will be built, and the more “afraid” regional heads will be to engage in corrupt acts. “Enforcement is the best prevention strategy. Socialisation will be in vain without risk,” he said.