Surge in Regional Head Arrests by KPK Lacks Deterrent Effect, Says NasDem Politician
Rudianto Lallo, NasDem faction member of Commission III at the House of Representatives, has expressed concern over the increasing frequency of sting operations conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) against regional heads in recent months. Rudianto has called on the KPK to strengthen its preventive measures.
“Of course we respect the KPK’s law enforcement efforts,” said Rudianto at the parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (13 March 2026).
According to him, sting operations constitute one method of enforcement in combating corruption. However, he expressed hope that each sting operation would yield tangible results in the form of state asset recovery.
“I believe that in law enforcement efforts against corruption, the most important aspect is how to recover state losses and protect state finances. That is what matters most,” he said.
“Sting operations are one method of enforcement in corruption cases. But what we most hope for is asset recovery from these cases,” he added.
He urged the KPK not merely to conduct sting operations. Rather, he argued, there must be a deterrent effect from such enforcement actions.
“Not merely actions that, as we say nowadays, have no deterrent effect. There is no deterrent effect. Because almost every month someone is arrested,” he stated.
Rudianto believes that the frequency of sting operations against regional heads raises questions about the effectiveness of corruption prevention efforts. He noted that such practices appear to repeat almost monthly.
“When will this situation end? These sting operations keep happening. I think law enforcement colleagues must develop concepts, ideas and plans to prevent such sting operations from occurring, don’t you think?” he said.
Furthermore, Rudianto highlighted the importance of the KPK’s Prevention Deputy in detecting potential corruption early, particularly in regional projects.
“What is most important is how to operationalise the Prevention Deputy, right? Prevention must work to ensure corruption does not occur in the regions. If there are potential projects that could lead to collusion, bribery and such, these should be prevented as much as possible. How can colleagues think about this, particularly the Prevention Deputy,” he said.
“Sting operations happen suddenly, they are not planned or really pre-operated. So we hope the KPK’s law enforcement actions in these sting operations are welcome as that is their authority. But beyond that, there should be results from these operations, such as recovery of state finances,” he added.
Several regional heads elected since 2025 have been arrested one by one in KPK sting operations. These newly-appointed officials have been implicated in various suspected bribery cases.
They include the East Kolaka regent Abdul Azis, Riau governor Abdul Wahid, Ponorogo regent Sugiri Sancoko, Central Lampung regent Ardito Wijaya, Bekasi regent Ade Kuswara, Pati regent Sudewo, Madiun mayor Maidi, Pekalongan regent Fadia Arafiq, and Rejang Lebong regent M Fikri Thobari.