JAKARTA, Legal Literacy — The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed the arrest of the Regent of Pati, Sudewo, in a sting operation (OTT) that took place in the Pati Regency area, Central Java, on Monday (1/19/2026). KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that Sudewo was among those secured in the OTT.

The KPK stated that Sudewo is currently undergoing intensive examination at the Kudus Police Station. Until now, the KPK has not disclosed the case underlying the OTT or other parties who were also secured.

The KPK also conveyed that the anti-corruption agency has 1x24 hours to determine the legal status of the parties secured in the OTT.

Previously Visited by Citizens to the KPK

Long before the OTT, hundreds of Pati residents visited the KPK's Merah Putih Building on September 1, 2025. In ANTARA's report, representatives of residents who are members of the United Pati Community Alliance (AMPB) stated that they had held an audience with the KPK and mentioned plans for internal coordination regarding the recommendation to deactivate Sudewo.

In that event, detikNews also reported that the KPK emphasized that the investigation process of cases related to alleged corruption in the construction of railway lines within the DJKA of the Ministry of Transportation is still ongoing, but the request for a recommendation to deactivate the regional head is said to be outside the authority of the KPK.

Sudewo's name had previously appeared in the handling of alleged bribery cases for the construction and maintenance of railway lines within the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation. MetroTVNews noted that Sudewo was examined as a witness on September 22, 2025, and was said to have been examined previously on August 27, 2025, regarding the same case.