Spate of Regional Head Arrests: Puan Raises Issue of High Political Costs

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has conducted another arrest operation against Rejang Lebong Regent Fikri Thobari. DPR Speaker Puan Maharani stated that there must be an evaluation by parliament and government regarding this phenomenon.

“We must jointly evaluate between the DPR and government regarding this matter,” said Puan following a DPR plenary session at the Nusantara II building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (10 March 2026).

Puan raised the issue of high political costs, which are frequently linked to corruption problems among regional heads. She also stressed the importance of providing regional heads with education on governmental accountability.

“Is it possible that political costs are too high, or how can we provide education on accountability to all regional heads,” asked Puan.

“And how can we raise awareness among all regional heads that accountability is important, not only for accountability oversight, but how can we maintain mutual awareness to protect one another,” she added.

Thobari’s arrest marks the second regional head detention this month. Previously, Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq was arrested in a separate operation and designated as a suspect.

The KPK stated that the arrest operation was related to alleged bribery involving projects within the Rejang Lebong Regency administration. According to the KPK, 13 individuals were detained in the 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 involving projects within the Rejang Lebong Regency administration,” said KPK Spokesman Budi Prasetyo to journalists at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday (10 March).