Surge of Regents Arrested in KPK Sting Operations; Puan Raises Concerns Over High Political Costs

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has once again conducted a sting operation (operasi tangkap tangan/OTT). This time, it ensnared Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari.

In response, House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani stated that the DPR and government must conduct a joint evaluation regarding the proliferation of sting operations.

“We must jointly evaluate between the DPR and the government concerning this matter,” Puan told journalists at Parliament Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Puan then raised concerns about the high costs of political activities, which are often linked to corruption amongst regional leaders.

She also urged the implementation of accountability education across all regions to curtail corrupt practices.

“Is it perhaps the case that political costs are too high, or how can we provide accountability education to all regional heads? Additionally, how can we build awareness amongst all regional heads that accountability is important not just for oversight purposes, but how we can ensure mutual vigilance. So indeed, there must be an evaluation across all levels regarding this matter,” Puan concluded.

Earlier, it was reported that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari in Bengkulu Province in a sting operation on Monday evening, 9 March 2026, on suspicion of corruption. KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Nurcahyanto confirmed the arrest of the regional official.

“Yes, Rejang Lebong Regent,” said KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Nurcahyanto when asked for confirmation on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

In the sting operation, the KPK team not only apprehended Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari. Several other individuals involved in the case were also detained. However, the identities of those arrested—aside from the Rejang Lebong Regent—have not yet been disclosed.

The KPK will transport Rejang Lebong Regent Thobari and other individuals caught in the sting operation to Jakarta on Tuesday morning for further investigation.

Under Indonesia’s Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK has 1 × 24 hours to determine the legal status of the Bengkulu Province regional official arrested in the sting operation.