On KPK's Aggressive Sting Operations, Legislator: Must Result in Recovery of State Losses
JAKARTA — A member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Rudianto Lallo, has assessed that the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) recent intensified sting operations must result in the recovery of state losses.
Rudianto stated that the law enforcement measures undertaken by the KPK deserve respect. However, he emphasised that the primary objective in handling corruption cases should not be limited to prosecution alone, but should also include the protection of state finances.
“Firstly, we naturally respect the steps and legal measures taken by the KPK in its law enforcement efforts. But what is most important, I believe, in a law enforcement case in the field of anti-corruption is how to recover state losses, return state losses, salvage state losses. That is what is most important,” Rudianto said at the House of Representatives building in Jakarta on Friday (13 March 2026).
On that occasion, Rudianto also emphasised that the proliferation of sting operations against regional officials proves that the deterrent effect against corruption perpetrators has not been achieved.
The Nasdem politician also questioned how long sting operations would continue if they were not accompanied by strong preventive measures.
“That is why I think, how long will we continue like this? Yes, sting operations like this. So I think law enforcement colleagues must formulate concepts, ideas and proposals to prevent such sting operations from occurring,” said Rudianto.
For this reason, Rudianto requested that the KPK strengthen its prevention function through the deputy handling that area.
He believed that prevention could be carried out by mapping corruption risks, particularly in government projects prone to bribery or collusion.
“If there are potential projects that could result in collusion, bribery and the like, we should try to prevent this as much as possible. How can colleagues think about this, particularly the Prevention Deputy,” said Rudianto.
For the record, at least five regional heads have been ensnared in corruption cases throughout 2026. One such case involved Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq in a matter concerning the procurement of outsourcing services at several regional apparatus offices of Pekalongan Regency government during the 2023-2026 period.
Meanwhile, two regional heads from Rejang Lebong, namely Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Vice-Regent Hendri, were also caught in a KPK sting operation relating to allegations of project bribery. Subsequently, Hendri was released and was not designated as a suspect.