Pekalongan Regent Fadia’s ‘Singer’ Defense Fails to Sway KPK in Graft Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq (FAR) a suspect in a corruption case related to procurement projects within the Pekalongan Regency government. The KPK revealed that Fadia claimed she lacked understanding of the regulations due to her previous career as a dangdut singer.
In this case, the KPK suspects Fadia benefitted from PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya (RNB), a company heavily involved in securing outsourcing procurement projects for the Pekalongan Regency government. KPK officials stated the company was founded by Fadia’s husband and son.
The KPK alleges PT RNB secured outsourcing projects across 17 regional government units, three regional public hospitals, and one sub-district in 2025. Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, stated PT RNB received Rp 46 billion from contracts with the Pekalongan Regency government between 2023 and 2026.
Here’s a breakdown of the alleged distribution of funds:
– Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq: Rp 5.5 billion.
– Fadia’s husband, Ashraff: Rp 1.1 billion;
– Director of PT RNB, Rul Bayatun: Rp 2.3 billion;
– Fadia’s son, Sabiq: Rp 4.6 billion;
– Fadia’s daughter, Mehnaz Na: Rp 2.5 billion;
– Cash withdrawals: Rp 3 billion.
Currently, other individuals mentioned remain witnesses. The KPK has only named Fadia as a suspect, charging her under articles 12 letter i and 12 B of the Law on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption, in conjunction with article 127 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.
Fadia Cites Background as a Dangdut Musician
Fadia invoked her background as a dangdut musician as justification for her lack of understanding of bureaucratic procedures.
“During intensive questioning, FAR explained that she comes from a background as a musician, not a bureaucrat. Here’s what Ms. FAR conveyed, stating that she does not understand the law and governance of the regional government,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, during a press conference at the KPK building in South Jakarta on Wednesday (March 4).
Asep stated Fadia also claimed she delegated bureaucratic matters to the Pekalongan Regional Secretary, asserting she primarily focused on ceremonial duties.
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Deputi Penindakan dan Eksekusi KPK Asep Guntur Rahayu (kiri) didampingi Juru Bicara KPK Budi Prasetyo (kanan) menunjukkan barang bukti kepada media terkait Operasi Tangkap Tangan (OTT) and the naming of Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of goods and services (PBJ) outsourcing in the Pekalongan Regency government environment for the 2023-2026 fiscal year at the KPK Merah Putih building, Jakarta, Wednesday (March 4, 2026). (Ari Saputra/detikfoto)
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“FAR claimed that technical bureaucratic matters were delegated to the Regional Secretary, while she focused more on carrying out ceremonial functions in the Pekalongan Regency,” he said.
Fadia’s Explanation Contradicts Experience
Though, Asep stated that Fadia’s explanation contradicts her actual experience. He pointed out that Fadia is not a newcomer to the position of regent.
“FAR is a regional leader for two terms and served as Vice Regent for one term from 2011-2016. FAR should understand the implementation of good governance principles in regional government,” he stated.
For context, Fadia previously served as Vice Regent of Pekalongan from 2011-2016. She then became Regent of Pekalongan in 2021 and was re-elected in the 2024 Regional Elections, being inaugurated as Regent of Pekalongan for the 2025-2030 period.
Warnings About Conflicts of Interest Ignored
Fadia was reportedly warned about potential conflicts of interest in the procurement process. This was communicated by the Regional Secretary and other parties.
“The Regional Secretary and several other parties explained that they repeatedly reminded the Regent about the potential for conflicts of interest in the procurement,” Asep said.
Asep stated that Fadia disregarded the warnings from her subordinates, insisting on using her family’s company to carry out procurement projects for the Pekalongan Regency government.
“Despite this, the practice continued to be carried out by the Regent,” he noted.
Following her inauguration, Fadia’s son and husband established PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya (RNB). Fadia is alleged to be the beneficial owner of the company.
The company also included members of Fadia’s campaign team. She allegedly directed regional government units to award contracts to this “family company.”
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(rdp/rfs)