Scrutiny of Fadia Arafiq's Claim of Ignorance About Bureaucracy Despite Long Service as Regent
Jakarta — Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq has attracted considerable criticism after stating that he does not understand law and bureaucratic procedures for local government administration.
The statement was made by Fadia during an examination by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) following his arrest in a sting operation on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
“During intensive questioning, FAR explained that his background was as a dangdut musician, not a bureaucrat, and that he does not understand law and local government administration,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Prosecution and Execution at the KPK, during a press conference at the Red and White Building in Jakarta on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
Responding to this, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya stated that if Fadia genuinely committed corruption, then it would constitute intentional wrongdoing rather than a lack of understanding of governance.
“If someone is still engaged in corruption, then that is not a lack of understanding, but rather potentially deliberate action,” Bima Arya told Kompas.com on Friday, 6 March 2026.
He noted that Fadia, as a regional head, could easily call upon academics and senior bureaucrats to educate him on proper administration.
“There are many training programmes from the central government relating to capacity-building for clean governance and public service,” he said.
The National Mandate Party (PAN) politician, who is also a former Bogor Mayor, emphasised that serving as a regional head is a form of public service, not a means of income.
He further stressed that when someone decides to become a regional head, they automatically ought to have the best vision for their region.
“Consequently, for that vision to be realised, a regional head must understand how to achieve it, including understanding governance procedures that encompass the management of regional finances,” he said.
As a result, a regional head is still required to understand law and government administration in performing his duties.
Legal experts have also weighed in, citing the legal principle that all persons are presumed to know the law. This presumption applies even more stringently to regional heads, who are obligated to understand the applicable legislation.
Furthermore, officials have noted that every regional head can seek clarification and explanations from various state institutions or ministries if they encounter matters they do not understand whilst performing their duties.