Reflecting on 10 Regional Head Arrests, KPK: Corruption Methods Often Repeat
“The patterns are similar, and the same methods often occur or repeat,”
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), reflecting on 10 sting operations (OTT) against regional heads during 2025-2026, views the methods of alleged corruption offences as frequently recurring.
“The patterns are similar, and the same methods often occur or repeat,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists in Jakarta on Friday.
Budi explained that the recurring methods include bribes for projects, extortion, the buying and selling of positions, and gratuities.
In addition, he stated that the KPK sees alleged corruption offences by regional heads as not solely due to weak systems, but also to the fragility of individual integrity.
“If we draw the common thread, it will point to the abuse of authority. This shows that corruption loopholes lie not only in the system, but also in the integrity of the individuals running it,” he said.
Therefore, he reminded other regional heads that the KPK’s OTT against these 10 regional heads, who are the results of the 2024 Regional Elections during that period, serves as a stern warning and a signal to carry out comprehensive improvements.
“Not only strengthening governance, but also building integrity-based leadership oriented towards public service,” he cautioned.
The data on these 10 regional heads caught in KPK OTT operations is an accumulation of actions by the anti-corruption agency from 2025 until 20 March 2026.
In 2025, the KPK arrested and named as suspects East Kolaka Regent Abdul Azis, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko, Central Lampung Regent Ardito Wijaya, and Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang in separate alleged corruption offence cases.
Then, up to 20 March 2026, the regional heads arrested and named as suspects were Madiun Mayor Maidi, Pati Regent Sudewo, Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, and Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman.