Two Central Java Regency Heads Arrested in KPK Operations within Two Weeks
The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has arrested two regional heads in Central Java Province (Jateng) through sting operations (OTT) within just two weeks. Most recently, the KPK conducted a sting operation against Cilacap Regency Head Syamsul Auliya Rachman on Friday (13 March 2026).
Sumarno, the Regional Secretary of Central Java Province, confirmed that he had received information about Syamsul’s arrest in the KPK operation. However, Sumarno stated that he was not yet aware of the specific corruption allegations against Syamsul.
“We only received information that there was an arrest and he has been taken to Jakarta,” said Sumarno during an interview at his office on Friday afternoon.
He stated that he had attempted to contact the Regional Secretary of Cilacap but had not received a response. “So I still don’t know the situation at this point,” he said.
“What is clear is that we are also concerned about this situation. We hope that our colleagues in Cilacap will ensure that important public service activities continue to run smoothly,” Sumarno added.
The KPK confirmed that it had conducted the sting operation in Cilacap. “Today the KPK carried out a closed investigation in Cilacap Regency, where our team secured 27 individuals, one of whom is the Cilacap Regency Head,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Friday.
The KPK arrested 27 individuals in the sting operation in Central Java, including Cilacap Regency Head Syamsul Auliya Rachman. The KPK stated that the operation was conducted due to project manipulation at Cilacap Regency by Syamsul.
“Concerning the closed investigation conducted today in Cilacap, there are allegations that the Regency Head received payments related to projects in Cilacap Regency,” said Budi.
The KPK has not yet disclosed which specific projects were involved. However, it is suspected that Syamsul manipulated the projects for personal interest. “This is related to allegations of projects in Cilacap Regency,” Budi said.
During the operation, the KPK also seized evidence in the form of cash in Indonesian rupiah. The KPK stated that it is still counting the money.
“The evidence secured during this sting operation includes cash. As for the amount, we will provide an update later. This operation is still ongoing, as our officers are still in the field conducting initial investigations,” Budi said.
The KPK has a maximum period of 1x24 hours to determine the legal status of those arrested in the sting operation.