On Sukoharjo Regent's Arrest, Luthfi Says: A Fish Rots from the Head
The sting operation (OTT) conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) against Sukoharjo Regent Etik Suryani has drawn a strong response from the Central Java Provincial Government. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi asserted that the incident serves as an important reminder that no public office carries immunity in the eyes of the law.
“Everyone is equal before the law,” Luthfi said in a written statement received by Tempo on Friday, 10 July 2026.
Luthfi expressed concern over the legal case ensnaring one of the regents in his region. He said he had repeatedly reminded all regional heads in Central Java to build a clean and integrous system of governance. According to him, the effort to achieve clean and good governance must always begin with the top leadership.
“The fish rots from the head. That means leaders must set an example in every activity,” Luthfi said.
He added that the principles of good governance must be applied in every aspect—from the exercise of authority, budget management, to accountability of duties—in a transparent and accountable manner. Luthfi also fully supported the KPK’s decisive action and hoped the case in Sukoharjo would serve as a valuable lesson for all officials in Central Java.
Public Services Confirmed to Continue
Amid the ongoing legal process, Luthfi assured that public services in Sukoharjo Regency would not be disrupted. The Central Java Provincial Government is fully committed to supporting the Sukoharjo Regency Government so that the machinery of government continues to run normally.
“Whoever the leader facing legal problems may be, government and public services must not be disrupted. We will back up the running of the government in Sukoharjo. An acting regent (Plt) will be appointed in accordance with the regulations once the legal process meets the requirements,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Sukoharjo Deputy Regent Eko Sapto Purnomo said he did not yet know the full details of the case ensnaring the regent. He is still awaiting an official explanation from the anti-corruption agency before taking further steps.
“We cannot say much yet because we are still waiting to find out what the points of the case actually are, what the issue is,” Eko told journalists when met in Solo, Central Java, on Friday.
Echoing Luthfi, Eko also hoped that bureaucratic processes in Sukoharjo would continue as usual. Amid this uncertainty, he called on the public to pray for those undergoing questioning so that they may be given strength.
“Please pray for all of us, especially those being questioned, that they be given strength, ease, guidance and direction so they can face all of this well,” he said.
Eko revealed that he last met Regent Etik Suryani on Thursday, 9 July 2026, at an event at the Infantry Battalion TP. He said the meeting took place normally, with no indication or any conversation hinting at the arrest by the KPK.
For information, the KPK carried out a covert operation in Sukoharjo Regency on Thursday. In that operation, Regent Etik Suryani and several officials within the Sukoharjo Regency Government were arrested and taken directly to the Surakarta Municipal Police Headquarters. They underwent intensive questioning by KPK investigators from Thursday evening until the early hours of Friday.