Jakarta. Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq was named a corruption suspect and placed in detention on Wednesday on allegations she received at least Rp 19 billion ($1.1 million) in kickbacks linked to government procurement contracts.

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators allege that Fadia used a family-owned company, Raja Nusantara Berjaya, to participate as a vendor in government procurement projects managed by the Pekalongan regency administration.

The company was established in 2022 — one year after Fadia assumed office — by the regent, her husband Mukhtaruddin Ashraff Abu, a member of Indonesia’s national parliament, and their son Muhammad Sabiq Ashraff, who serves in the Pekalongan Legislative Council.

According to KPK Deputy for Enforcement Asep Guntur Rahayu, the company operates as a service provider and actively participates in procurement tenders within the Pekalongan regency government.

“The company is engaged in service provision and actively became a vendor in procurement projects within the Pekalongan regency administration,” Asep said during a press conference in Jakarta.

He added that the firm’s corporate structure placed Mukhtaruddin as commissioner and Sabiq as director, while many employees were reportedly members of Fadia’s campaign team during her election campaign.

Investigators believe local government officials were directed to ensure that the regent’s family company won procurement tenders.

Throughout 2025, Raja Nusantara Berjaya allegedly dominated procurement projects in Pekalongan, securing dozens of contracts.

Between 2023 and 2026, payments to the company reached about Rp 46 billion, all derived from contracts with the Pekalongan regency government.

Of that amount, only Rp 22 billion was used to pay outsourced workers’ salaries, while roughly Rp 19 billion was allegedly distributed to members of the regent’s family.

According to investigators, the funds were divided among family members and company executives. Fadia allegedly received Rp 5.5 billion, Mukhtaruddin Rp 1.1 billion, and Sabiq Rp 4.6 billion. Another child of the regent, Mehnaz Na, reportedly obtained Rp 2.5 billion, while company director Rul Bayatun received Rp 2.3 billion. An additional Rp 3 billion was withdrawn in cash by members of the regent’s family.

Authorities also said Fadia directly supervised the management and distribution of the funds through a WhatsApp group used by her staff.

“Every cash withdrawal intended for the regent was reported, documented, and shared in the WhatsApp group,” Asep said.

So far, Fadia is the only suspect named in the case. However, the KPK said the investigation remains ongoing and additional suspects could be identified as the probe develops.

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