Golkar Deeply Disappointed as Fahd A Rafiq Named KPK Suspect Again: Three Times, He Should Have Repented

The Golkar Party expressed deep disappointment over the arrest of Fahd El Fouz, also known as Fahd A Rafiq, by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a sting operation (OTT) related to an alleged bribe for the processing of a building use right (HGB) in Bogor Regency. This is the third time the politician has been named a suspect by the anti-graft agency, after previously being caught in the bribery case involving the Regional Infrastructure Adjustment Fund (DPID) in 2012 and corruption in a Qur'an procurement project five years later.

Golkar Deputy Chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia said he deeply regretted the incident. According to him, the party had repeatedly reminded all cadres to stay away from corrupt practices. "We are very concerned and regret the arrest of our brother Fahd. As a party, we always remind our members not to violate the law, let alone engage in corruption," Doli told reporters on Wednesday (15/9/2026).

Doli said Fahd's track record should have been enough to deter him. He had hoped the person concerned would reflect and repent, but the reality was the opposite. "After being caught in corruption cases twice, it should have made him deterred, reflective, and repentant, but instead it was the opposite," he said firmly.

Golkar has been known to give space for cadres who have served their sentences to contribute again, assuming they have paid for their mistakes and sought to improve themselves. However, Fahd's case is a severe blow. "We have learned many lessons. We respect cadres who have served their sentences and tried to improve themselves, which is why we gave them a chance. This incident will be a note for evaluation," Doli explained.

While acknowledging that Fahd had contributed to the party, Doli did not deny that his personal behavior had tarnished Golkar's dignity. "We cannot deny his contribution, but his behavior has not changed. He did not realize there is a big name, the Golkar Party, that must be protected. We are very disappointed and angry," he said.

"As a party committed to supporting corruption eradication and realizing a clean Indonesia, Golkar respects and supports all legal processes carried out by the KPK."

Ahmad Doli Kurnia, Golkar Deputy Chairman

This case serves as a mirror for political parties in managing cadres with legal records. On one hand, the party wants to give a second chance; on the other, the reputational and electoral risks are enormous, especially ahead of a political year. For the public, the repetition of crimes by party elites reinforces the perception that internal sanctions are often ineffective.

From the perspective of corruption eradication, the KPK's move to arrest again a politician who has been a suspect twice shows that a deterrent effect has not been established. This is also a test for the consistency of law enforcement, whether this case will be processed thoroughly without political intervention. Investors and market players will certainly scrutinize political stability and legal certainty, because corruption in the property and licensing sectors can hinder the business climate.

Going forward, Golkar promises to tighten cadre selection and development. However, the big question remains: will other political parties follow a similar step, or instead view this case as a tolerable risk to maintain their mass base? The public will judge whether the anti-corruption commitment is merely rhetoric or truly implemented.