Pekalongan corruption sting: KPK seals nine offices, six cars and Fadia Arafiq’s private businesses

The KPK sealed a private salon and a restaurant in Pekalongan as well as several cars at the residence of Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq in connection with an ongoing graft investigation. The Commission, after conducting an arrest operation on Tuesday 3 March, also sealed nine offices within the Pekalongan Regency Government: the Regent’s Office, the Secretary to the Regency, the General Affairs Office, the Economic Office, Prokopim, Satpol PP, Dingkop and UKM, DPU Taru, and Dinperkim Lingkungan Hidup. The anti‑corruption agency also posted sealing stickers on the doors of a private salon business owned by Fadia Arafiq, named Bigboss Salon in Nyamok Village, Kajen District, Pekalongan, and a restaurant with the same name appeared closed although no KPK sealing sticker was observed. Sealing was also seen on six cars belonging to the Regent parked at the official residence; two of them are electric cars alleged to be connected to the case being handled by the KPK. Meanwhile, after questioning since this morning at Pekalongan Kota Police, KPK also arrested 11 officials within the Pekalongan Regency Government and the private sector. They were transported by a bus to the Red and White building in Jakarta for further questioning, including: 1. M Yulian Akbar, Secretary to the Pekalongan Regency 2. Budi Rahmulyo, Camat Karanganyar 3. Dr Ryan, Acting Director of Kesesi Regional Public Hospital (RSUD Kesesi) 4. Nuryadi, Head of the Hygiene and Planting Division, Diprekim LH Tahun 2023 5. Herman, Head of the General Affairs Section of the Setda Pekalongan Regency. The Pekalongan OTT raises questions, especially about myths and beliefs among Pantura residents of Central Java. The myth says no regent can complete two full consecutive terms in Batik City. With Fadia Arafiq’s arrest on 3 March, the myth has been reinforced. It is undeniable that those caught in KPK operations typically become suspects and, under the rules, officials must resign or be dismissed. Meanwhile, during campaigning, Fadia Arafiq used slogans Ora Njanjeni (not promising), Ora Ngapusi (not deceiving), and Ora Korupsi (not corrupt). After being elected to a second term, she was seen as someone who could break the myth. Yet, exactly one year after her second term began, she was caught in the covert KPK operation. The following is a list of Pekalongan Regents since 2001 believed to have fallen victim to the myth: 1. Amat Antono (2001–2006) 2. Siti Qomariyah (2006–2011) 3. Amat Antono (2011–2016) not directly connected to two consecutive terms. 4. Asip Kholbihi (2016–2021) 5. Fadia Arafiq (2021–2024) first term 6. Fadia Arafiq (2025–2030) second term, only one year in, captured by the KPK. (AS/E-4) Zaenur also criticises the internal condition of political parties as among the least democratic in Indonesia’s democratic system. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi says the Pekalongan Regent’s OTT should be a lesson for regional leaders across Central Java and has urged all local heads to maintain integrity and adhere to the law. The arrest of Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq by the KPK, along with attention on her asset declarations in the LHKPN, has drawn public focus.