Phenomenon of Regional Head Arrests Continues Amid Warnings and Calls for Evaluation

Jakarta—The executive and legislative branches have stated that the escalating trend of sting operations (OTT) targeting regional heads must serve as a warning and trigger comprehensive evaluation.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested two regents in sting operations conducted within the past week: on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, and Monday, 9 March 2026.

First, Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq was arrested by the KPK in a sting operation in Semarang City, Central Java. Second, Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari was apprehended in Bengkulu.

The arrest of these two regents has drawn attention from the central government, specifically the Ministry of Interior Affairs (Kemendagri) and the House of Representatives (DPR RI).

“Hopefully the sting operation that occurred in Pekalongan Regency can serve as a warning to other regional heads, so they carry out their duties and responsibilities in accordance with applicable regulations,” said Benny Irwan, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, to Kompas.com on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

The Interior Ministry stated that the case of Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq’s arrest will serve as an evaluation for its own institution.

“This momentum will also serve as a separate evaluation for Kemendagri and reflection for us, particularly regarding the model or pattern of recruiting regional heads going forward,” he said.

Irwan noted that the regional heads caught in sting operations were elected through direct regional head elections (pilkada). The Interior Ministry acknowledged concern as similar cases continue to recur.

The Interior Minister of the Republic of Indonesia, Tito Karnavian, has repeatedly reminded regional heads to maintain transparency and accountability in their performance.

“Regional head sting operations have occurred again. Certainly we are concerned because similar matters occur repeatedly,” he said.

“Kemendagri will monitor closely and at the appropriate time will take administrative steps within its authority to ensure that the wheels of government and public services continue to function,” he explained.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Puan Maharani indicated that evaluation is necessary following the arrest of two regents in KPK sting operations within a single week.