Series of Regional Heads Arrested by KPK; Deputy Minister of Home Affairs: OTT Threat Does Not Deter
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto has responded to a series of regional heads caught in the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) arrest operations. Bima Arya views this phenomenon as evidence that the threat of KPK arrest operations is insufficient to produce a deterrent effect on regional leaders.
“This series of arrest operations against regional heads seems to prove to us that the threat of OTT does not adequately create a deterrent effect for regional heads. There could be an OTT every week—it seems like just taking turns for regional heads,” Bima Arya told journalists on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
Bima Arya believes systemic improvements are needed in the regional head selection process through to corruption prevention. He views arrest operations not as a determining factor in eradicating corruption.
“It all depends on the KPK’s capacity and how intensively they conduct these operations. What I mean is, I see a pressing need to improve the system from source to end, starting with the regional head selection system, corruption prevention systems, remuneration, and law enforcement,” he added.
The PAN politician believes comprehensive solutions from source to end are needed to address corruption in the country. He contends that arrest operations conducted by the KPK are insufficient to halt corrupt practices in Indonesia.
“In short, from source to end—otherwise, there could be an OTT every day,” said Bima Arya.
“It is not that enforcement is ineffective; we fully support law enforcement and arrest operations. However, it turns out that is not sufficient to stop corrupt practices, meaning it must be strengthened at the source,” he added.
Previously, the KPK conducted another arrest operation on a regional head, most recently targeting Rejang Lebong Regent Fikri Thobari. The arrest of the PAN cadre Fikri Thobari marks the second regional head arrest operation in a week.
Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq also faced the same punishment. Fadia, a member of Golkar Party, was subsequently designated as a suspect.
The KPK identified Fikri Thobari’s arrest operation as related to alleged bribery in development projects within the Rejang Lebong District Government. The KPK stated that 13 individuals were detained in the arrest operation conducted on Monday (9 March). They were questioned at the local police station.
“In this arrest operation, it is suspected to be related to bribery in development projects within the Rejang Lebong District Government,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday (10 March).