Three Central Java Regents Caught in Corruption Sting, Warning Light for Local Government Governance

Jakarta – The arrest operations (OTT) targeting three regents within a short period have triggered scrutiny of local government governance practices.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has conducted a series of arrest operations against regional heads, including three regents in Central Java.

The KPK stressed that the series of enforcement actions does not target a specific region, but rather is based on reports of alleged corruption.

Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Prosecution and Execution at the KPK, stated that the anti-corruption agency focuses only on individuals suspected of committing corruption, not on specific regions.

Three regents in Central Java subject to arrest operations are Regent Sudewo of Pati in connection with a case of extortion regarding village official appointments in January 2026, Regent Fadia Arafiq of Pekalongan in a matter of alleged corruption in the procurement of outsourcing services and other purchases at the Pekalongan Regency Government during the 2023–2026 budget year, and Regent Syamsul Auliya of Cilacap.

Nevertheless, Asep affirmed that enforcement actions are not limited to Central Java.

The KPK also conducted an arrest operation in other regions, such as against Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari of Rejang Lebong in a case of alleged bribery involving inflated project schemes at the Rejang Lebong Regency Government during the 2025–2026 period.

Asep also referenced a warning issued by Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi to regional heads in his province to maintain integrity.

However, according to him, this warning was disregarded.

He affirmed that the KPK will continue enforcement action against any regional head proven to have committed corruption.

“There is no bias towards any region, but we will act to enforce the law if a regional head indeed commits acts of corruption,” Asep stated firmly.