Regent Fadi Arafiq Lacks Understanding of Governance, Golkar Says the Party Has Already Provided Him With Training

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Secretary-General (Sekjen) of the Golkar Party Sarmuji stated that Golkar has provided training on governance to its cadres who serve as regional heads, but the cadres are urged to continuously enhance their knowledge.

This was conveyed by Sarmuji regarding Pekalongan Regent Fadi Arafiq, who admitted he did not understand governance and law after being arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

‘The party and the central government have striven to provide briefing, but the specifics must be upgraded continuously,’ Sarmuji told Kompas.com, on Thursday (5/3/2026).

In addition, Sarmuji urged local administrations to continuously mentor their officials.

‘Local governments also have a legal affairs division that must accompany regional officials on a continuous basis,’ he added.

Earlier, KPK said, based on intensive investigation results, Pekalongan Regent Fadi Arafiq claimed to come from a dangdut musician background.

‘In the intensive examination, FAR stated that he comes from a dangdut musician background, not a bureaucrat and does not understand law and governance of the region,’ said KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Prosecution Asep Guntur Rahayu at a press conference at the Merah Putih Building, Jakarta, Wednesday, (4/3/2026).

Fadi has been named a suspect in a corruption case relating to outsourcing services procurement and other procurement in the Pekalongan Regency government for the 2023-2026 budget year.