Indonesia's KPK arrests Klaten regent, 19 others in corruption sting

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation on October 15, 2026, in Klaten Regency, Central Java, arresting Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo and 19 others. The operation, the 23rd such sting by the KPK in 2026, resulted in the seizure of approximately Rp1 billion in cash.

According to KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo, the 20 detainees include state civil apparatus (ASN) employees, private sector actors, and auditors from the Financial Audit Board (BPK). Some detainees were brought to KPK headquarters in Jakarta for questioning, while others underwent questioning at Klaten Police Headquarters. The operation began at approximately 07:00 WIB on October 15 when KPK officers arrived at the regent's official residence, transporting Hamenang to Klaten Police Headquarters by 08:25 WIB.

The investigation centers on allegations that Hamenang received bribes related to government procurement of goods and services, licensing approvals, and other transactions involving regional government agencies. The KPK also suspects Hamenang of offering bribes to BPK officials regarding audits. On October 16, the KPK sealed six offices at the Klaten Regency Government Complex, including the regent's office, vice-regent's office, regional secretary's office, the government procurement services division, and offices of the BPKPAD (regional finance and asset management body) and the communications protocol division.

Under Indonesian criminal procedure law (KUHAP), the KPK has 24 hours from the time of arrest to determine the formal status of detainees. The seized cash amount of Rp1 billion represents an initial count pending completion of evidence tallying.