Beda Perlakuan Golkar dan PAN saat Kadernya Kena OTT KPK

Fadia Arafiq who served as the Regent of Pekalongan was dragged to the KPK building in Jakarta. (Antara)

JAKARTA - In the month of Ramadan, when all Muslims focus on fasting, two regional heads were caught in the Operation Catch the Hand (OTT) carried out by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). First, Fadia Arafiq, a Golkar Party cadre who served as the Regent of Pekalongan, was entangled in Semarang on March 2, 2026.

And the second is Muhammad Fikri Thobari, a cadre of the National Mandate Party (PAN) who served as the Regent of Rejang Lebong. He was caught by the KPK OTT in Kepahiang, Bengkulu on March 9, 2026.

Is this a coincidence or has it been targeted by the anti-corruption commission for a long time?

Golkar officials indeed regretted what had happened to their cadres. "We are very concerned about the OTT KPK that has happened, hopefully this can be a lesson," Sarmuji told reporters.

According to Sarmuji, the case of officials who have been repeatedly exposed to the KPK OTT must be a reflection. "We have to reflect on why OTT is so many. Why is the practice of corruption still often happening," he said.

PAN Immediately Fired

The National Mandate Party (PAN) has a different style. They immediately showed the action of firing their cadre, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, who was caught by the KPK.

Deputy Chairman of the PAN DPP, Viva Yoga Mauladi, said his party expressed deep concern and regret over the unpraiseworthy actions that violated the law from his cadres in carrying out their duties as regional heads. Viva emphasized that Fikri Thobari's actions were personal responsibility.

Muhammad Fikri Thobari, a cadre of the National Mandate Party (PAN) who served as the Regent of Rejang Lebong, wore an orange vest after being arrested by the KPK. (Wardani Ts Tsia VOI)

Therefore, continued Viva, PAN dismissed Fikri Thobari as the Chairman of the Rejang Lebong DPD. "The PAN DPP dismissed Muhammad Fikri Thobari from the party's structural position. For the time being, the position of Chairman of the Rejang Lebong PAN DPD is taken over by the Bengkulu PAN DPW," said Viva.

Viva said PAN fully respects the legal process currently underway at the KPK. "We believe that law enforcement must be transparent, objective, professional, and in accordance with the principles of justice," he said.

Both were caught in the KPK OTT, but the treatment of the two parties for their "naughty" cadres is different. Both Golkar and PAN equally appreciate the legal process that applies in this country, but PAN chose a more decisive action by immediately deactivating its cadres.