Pati, Central Java, Thekabarnews.com—The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Pati Regent Sudewo as part of a sting operations (OTT) in Pati Regency, Central Java. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the arrest in the (KPK) Red and White Building in South Jakarta, Monday, January 19. Budi informed reporters, “Yes, one of the people arrested in the Pati sting operations is SDW, or Sudewo.”

But the KPK has not said anything about the case that led to the operation yet. Additionally, officials have not disclosed the number of individuals arrested alongside Sudewo.

Budi stated, “We will give more information on the case, its legal structure, and the other people involved at a later time.” He said that the police are currently gathering information.

Investigators are still reviewing the legal status

Police are now questioning all those arrested during the operation as witnesses. According to Indonesian law, the KPK has 24 hours to decide whether to officially identify the people involved as suspects.

Detectives at the Kudus precinct police (Polres) in Central Java are currently questioning Sudewo thoroughly, according to Budi. The KPK has explicitly stated that they will release more information once the initial investigation concludes.

Political party answers

Sudaryono, the head of the Gerindra Party’s Central Java Regional Leadership Council (DPD), said in the meanwhile that the party respects the KPK’s legal procedure.

“We respect the judicial procedure that is going on at the KPK right now. At this point, we are waiting for the official findings of the examination,” Sudaryono said.

He added that Gerindra remains committed to supporting anti-corruption efforts and fair law enforcement. Sudaryono further underlined how important it is to make sure that the legal process goes on without any problems.

“We completely support the KPK’s law enforcement actions to keep the public’s trust and protect the integrity of the legal system in Indonesia,” he remarked.

As Pati regent, Sudewo has been in the news for several scandals that have caught the public’s attention. Last year, people protested against him because the rates for property tax (PBB) went up a lot. Tensions escalated after Sudewo publicly challenged the protesters, drawing widespread public criticism.

His name has also come up in a previous corruption investigation that involved a project to build railway infrastructure. Investigators allege that Sudewo received funds related to the project during his tenure as a member of Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR). However, a final court decision in that matter remains pending.

The KPK urges the public to wait for official updates and refrain from speculation until the legal process concludes and delivers a clear outcome.