The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has expressed deep regret over the significant alleged corruption scandal unfolding in Pekalongan Regency. This substantial sum, allegedly diverted, could have been instrumental in significantly improving the welfare of the local community, a stark contrast to its purported misuse.
At the heart of the allegations is Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, who is suspected of orchestrating a corrupt scheme involving a family company, PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya (RNB). This enterprise, reportedly established with her husband and child, was allegedly intentionally favored and awarded numerous outsourcing service procurement projects within the Pekalongan Regency Government.
According to Asep Guntur Rahayu, the KPK’s Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, PT RNB garnered a substantial Rp 46 billion from various procurement projects spanning from 2023 to 2026. While Rp 22 billion of this amount was purportedly utilized for project expenses, the remaining Rp 24 billion is suspected to have been corruptly embezzled.
Highlighting the tangible loss to the community, Asep Guntur Rahayu stated during a press conference on Wednesday (March 4) that the embezzled Rp 24 billion could have funded critical public services. “That amount, if used to construct decent housing for the people of Pekalongan, with an index of Rp 50 million per house, could have built approximately 400 homes,” Asep elaborated, underscoring the direct impact on citizens’ lives.
Furthermore, he pointed out the potential infrastructure development forgone, adding, “If it were used to build district roads, with a cost of Rp 250 million per kilometer, it could have covered around 50 to 60 kilometers.” Asep emphasized that such funds would undoubtedly have been far more beneficial for the public interest than for the personal gain of officials, reinforcing the KPK’s stance against such illicit activities.
Of the estimated Rp 24 billion in allegedly misappropriated funds, the KPK revealed that Rp 19 billion directly flowed to Fadia Arafiq and her family members. The intricate breakdown of these alleged illicit gains is as follows:
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Pekalongan Regent, Fadia Arafiq: Rp 5.5 billion;
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Fadia’s husband, Mukhtaruddin Ashraff Abu: Rp 1.1 billion;
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Fadia’s confidant, Rul Bayatun: Rp 2.3 billion;
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Fadia’s child, Muhammad Sabiq Ashraff: Rp 4.6 billion;
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Fadia’s child, Mehnaz Na: Rp 2.5 billion;
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Cash withdrawals: Rp 3 billion.
Pekalongan Regent’s Statement
In a direct response to the allegations, Fadia Arafiq vehemently denied being apprehended in a KPK sting operation (Operasi Tangkap Tangan or OTT). As she was escorted to a detention vehicle at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta, she asserted that no evidence was confiscated from her and questioned the nature of her arrest. “I was not caught in an OTT, no items were seized from me, and at the time of the arrest, did they raid my home?” Fadia queried, challenging the procedural claims.
Meanwhile, her family has yet to issue any public comments regarding the ongoing investigation and the serious allegations against the Pekalongan Regent.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has expressed deep regret over significant alleged corruption by Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, who is suspected of favoring her family company, PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya (RNB), for outsourcing projects. RNB secured Rp 46 billion from 2023-2026, with Rp 24 billion allegedly embezzled. This sum could have funded approximately 400 homes or 50-60 kilometers of district roads, significantly benefiting the local community.
Of the misappropriated Rp 24 billion, Rp 19 billion reportedly flowed directly to Fadia Arafiq and her family members, including her husband, two children, and a confidant, alongside Rp 3 billion in cash withdrawals. Regent Arafiq, however, vehemently denied being caught in a KPK sting operation, asserting that no evidence was confiscated from her during the arrest.