Response of Pekalongan Deputy Regent Following Regent Fadia Arafiq's Arrest by KPK

KPK investigators conducted a sting operation (OTT) in the Pekalongan region, Central Java, early this week. One of those apprehended and brought to Jakarta for further examination was Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq. On Tuesday (3 March), the KPK sealed Fadia’s office in the Pekalongan Regional Government compound, as well as the office of the Regional Secretary and several departmental head offices.

The office of Pekalongan Deputy Regent Sukirman was not visibly sealed. When asked for comment, Sukirman responded that he was not yet aware of the sting operation in his jurisdiction, much less one ensnaring the regent. “Not yet, not yet (I don’t know). Let me check first. I’m not aware,” he said on Tuesday afternoon.

Similarly, regarding the sealing of several departmental offices, Sukirman also stated he had not yet received information. “Not yet, not yet (received a report). I haven’t received information,” he added.

According to reports, the front door of the regent’s office bearing Fadia’s photograph has been sealed by the KPK. The two doors were sealed with white and red paper stickers bearing the text “UNDER KPK SUPERVISION”. The seal also included the KPK logo and the date 3-3-2026, signed by the investigator. Similar text was found in several departmental offices, including the Public Works and Spatial Planning Department (DPU Taru). Additionally, KPK seals were visible in the Regional Secretary’s office.

Earlier, KPK Spokesman Budi Prasetyo stated that several individuals, in addition to the regent, had been apprehended by investigators. “Yes, in this closed investigative operation, the team apprehended several individuals in the Pekalongan, Central Java region, including the regent,” Budi said when confirmed on Tuesday morning.

Budi stated that those apprehended by investigators were brought to Jakarta for further examination. “The team then brought them to Jakarta for further investigation,” he said.

However, Budi did not provide further details about the individuals apprehended for questioning and the alleged corruption case being handled. The KPK has 1x24 hours to determine the legal status of those caught in the sting operation. Currently, those apprehended remain under investigation status.