JAKARTA, MCE – The administrative face of Pati Regency is currently reeling from a major legal storm. A sting operation (OTT) launched by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday (Jan 20, 2026) has not only shattered the credibility of Pati Regent, Sudewo, but also exposed a systematic bribery network reaching down to the village level.
In the operation, the KPK apprehended eight individuals. The composition of those arrested reveals a highly organized chain of involvement:
1 Regent (Sudewo)
2 District Heads (Camat)
3 Village Heads (Kepala Desa)
2 Candidates for village apparatus positions
This crackdown serves as stark evidence that the "deposit" system for securing government seats remains a chronic disease within local bureaucracies.
Preliminary investigations suggest that investigators detected a "fixed price" or quota for specific positions within village governments. Roles that should be filled based on merit and competence were allegedly turned into mere commodities.
"There were specific amounts set to fill positions within the village government scope," stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the Merah Putih Building in South Jakarta.
Sudewo, as the highest authority in the regency, is suspected to be at the apex of this scheme. Meanwhile, the District and Village Heads allegedly acted as intermediaries, connecting prospective "buyers" with the Regent.
The precision of the operation was highlighted by the seizure of a fantastic amount of cash. While the exact figure is still being tallied, the KPK confirmed that the value reaches into the billions of rupiah. This money is believed to be the accumulated "dowries" paid by candidates seeking village official positions.
"During this event, the team secured several billion rupiah in cash. We will provide details once the examination is complete," Budi added.
Upon arriving at the KPK headquarters this morning, Sudewo and the seven others were immediately escorted to interrogation rooms. This case serves as a grim warning for regional governance: when even entry-level village positions are bought and sold, the public ultimately suffers. Officials who "buy" their seats are likely to focus on recouping their investment rather than serving the community.
The KPK has 24 hours to determine the legal status of the detainees. If proven guilty, Sudewo and his subordinates face severe penalties for corruption and abuse of power. (bp).
