Two Regents Arrested in Corruption Raids Within a Week, DPR Leadership Emphasises Oversight

JAKARTA – Deputy Chair of the DPR RI from the Nasdem Party Faction Saan Mustopa has emphasised the importance of oversight of regional heads to prevent corrupt practices.

Saan made this point when asked about the phenomenon of two regents ensnared in Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) operations within one week.

“Oversight from all institutions is important to ensure our regional heads do not fall into corrupt practices,” Saan told reporters on Thursday (12 March 2026).

Saan subsequently highlighted the need for regional heads to possess awareness and maintain integrity, credibility, and capability to prevent corruption. He warned against regional heads seeking personal advantage from their positions.

“This must become a collective commitment from all regional heads, especially those who have been elected. They have been chosen to serve and provide public services, not for personal gain or rent-seeking,” Saan said.

He added that track records should be considered when determining regional head appointments.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested two regents in two separate corruption sting operations within the past week. First, in Semarang, the KPK arrested Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq along with his aide and associate on early Tuesday (3 March 2026).

A week later, in Bengkulu, the KPK arrested Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari on Monday evening (9 March 2026).

Fikri was designated as a suspect in an alleged corruption case concerning bribery from a project within the Rejang Lebong Regional Government.