Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Madiun Mayor Maidi and Pati Regent Sudewo in two separate sting operations on January 19, 2026. Maidi's arrest relates to alleged corruption in projects and corporate social responsibility funds, while Sudewo's involves the filling of village apparatus positions. The cases highlight ongoing corruption issues at the local government level.
On January 19, 2026, Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted its first sting operation (OTT) in Madiun City, East Java, arresting Mayor Maidi along with 14 others, totaling 15 individuals. The arrests relate to alleged corruption involving project fees and corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. Nine suspects were flown to Jakarta with hundreds of millions of rupiah seized.
On the same day, KPK executed a second OTT in Pati Regency, Central Java, capturing Regent Sudewo. The case concerns alleged corruption in filling village apparatus positions, such as heads of affairs, section heads, and village secretaries. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated, “Related to the filling of positions for heads of affairs, section heads, or village secretaries.”
Sudewo was interrogated for nearly 24 hours at Kudus Police Resort starting at 03:30 WIB on January 19. The examination concluded late that night, and he emerged around 00:14 WIB wearing a mask and appearing dejected. Kudus Police Chief AKBP Heru Dwi Purnomo confirmed, “The examination has been completed,” after which the KPK team escorted Sudewo to Semarang under police guard.
In addition to Sudewo, KPK examined sub-district heads and village officials at separate locations, such as Sumber Police Sector in Rembang. Sudewo has a history of controversies, including nearly being impeached by the local council over political conflicts.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a warning, describing the incidents as a lesson for democracy, noting that both regional heads were directly elected by the public. This marks KPK's third OTT in 2026, following two earlier operations in early January related to tax bribery.
