Pekalongan Regent Named Suspect in Corruption Case, Experts Highlight Problem of Instant Politicians

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq as a suspect in a case of suspected procurement-related corruption in her region. In questioning, Fadia claimed that her background as a dangdut singer meant she did not understand bureaucratic rules, and that the technical aspects of governance were handed to the regional secretary, with her only performing ceremonial duties.

Responding to this, Herdiansyah Hamzah, a researcher at the Anti-Corruption Studies Centre (SAKSI) of Universitas Mulawarman, said the admission was not rational. He argued that the issue stems from the problem of ‘instant’ politicians formed in a short time without experience and proper briefing. “That is the problem with instant politicians. Politicians built overnight do not have popularity or electability developed gradually. If the process is instant, they will struggle to understand how government works,” he told Media Indonesia on Wednesday (4 March). He stressed that a politician should progress from the bottom to hone their thinking, including knowledge relevant to political work.

Moreover, Hamzah noted that even if a regent can empower the legal bureau and interact with various agencies such as the inspectorate, BPK, and BPKP, a lack of fundamental knowledge of legal rules makes every decision prone to problems. “That statement is merely an excuse, irrational and nonsensical. Do not entangle yourselves with such excuses. This is the psychology of corruptors: always looking for excuses, even ones that make no sense. Especially since she is in her second term. How could she not understand?” he said. He also emphasised that instant politicians who lack experience and gradual learning tend to have limited knowledge of political and administrative practice, and thus this cannot be used as a benchmark for public office.

“Instant politicians are mainly characterised by not being formed from the bottom up. With limited political work experience, factors like this cannot be used to measure performance in public office,” he concluded. (Auth/Development desk)

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi clarified allegations regarding Fadia Arafiq’s presence during the KPK operation. He urged readers to follow updates and review the facts, including discussions around services such as the Free Nutritious Meals programme.

KPK has disclosed that Fadia Arafiq (FAR) had previously been warned by the Regional Secretary and other officials to ensure a family-owned company wins as a regional vendor. The commission later named Bupati Pekalongan Fadia Arafiq (FAR) as a suspect in a Rp46 billion outsourcing procurement project in her area. The KPK described the modus operandi as funds flowing to her husband and children via family-owned enterprises.

KPK also sealed off a salon, a restaurant, and several cars at the official residence that are believed to belong to Fadia.

Zaenur also criticised the internal state of political parties, which he described as the most undemocratic institution within Indonesia’s democracy. Governor Ahmad Luthfi said the OTT involving the Pekalongan Regent should serve as a lesson for regional leaders across Central Java and urged all heads of regional administrations to safeguard integrity and comply with the law.

Bupati Pekalongan Fadia Arafiq was caught in an Operasi Tangkap Tangan (OTT) by the KPK on Tuesday (3 March).