The Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) has once again conducted a sting operation (OTT) targeting a regional head. This time, Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo was detained by an investigative team on Thursday (15/10/2026) morning at the Klaten Regent's official residence. Based on gathered information, the operation took place at around 07.00 WIB, during which several officials within the Klaten Regency Government and the Regent's personal aide were also detained.
Following the arrest, at around 08.15 WIB, the Bupati along with the other detained parties were immediately taken to Mapolresta Klaten. KPK investigators conducted an intensive initial examination in the Aula Satya Haprabu Mapolresta Klaten. The police confirmed that the involvement of their personnel was purely limited to security support for the law enforcement activities carried out by KPK.
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto confirmed the arrest. Hamenang's arrest is recorded as the 23rd OTT conducted by the KPK throughout 2026. In accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK has 1x24 hours to determine the legal status of the individuals detained in the operation.
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo revealed that the OTT targeting the regional head was related to alleged bribery. He stated that the case is suspected to be related to receipts accepted by state officials regarding the procurement of goods and services, licensing, as well as other receipts from regional apparatus organizations (OPD).
In addition to the alleged receipts, investigators are also looking into an alleged payment from the Bupati Klaten to an official from the Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan (BPK) in connection with the audit process. The individuals detained come from various backgrounds, including ASN within Pemkab Klaten and BPK, as well as private parties.
In the operation, the KPK also seized cash suspected to be related to the case. Based on preliminary counts, the value of the secured money reached approximately Rp1 billion. Budi emphasized that the process of counting the evidence is still ongoing.
This operation marks KPK's 23rd sting operation throughout 2026. Previously, KPK began the year by arresting eight people in connection with alleged tax audit bribery on January 9–10, then arrested the Mayor of Madiun and the Regent of Pati, before carrying out a sting operation in June 2026 that led Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim to surrender.
Responding to a sting operation that once again targeted a regional head in his area, Governor of Jawa Tengah Ahmad Luthfi expressed deep concern. Nevertheless, he urged the public and the bureaucracy to uphold the presumption of innocence and respect the ongoing legal process.
The individuals detained in Klaten, including Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo, underwent questioning at Mapolresta Klaten, while those detained in Jakarta were questioned at Gedung Merah Putih KPK. The public is now awaiting an official announcement from KPK regarding the legal status of those caught in the OTT.
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