Anti-Corruption Commission credits public report in Rejang Lebong Regent case

Jakarta – Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi, KPK) has stated that the suspected corruption case involving Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari came to light following a complaint from the public.

“This caught-in-the-act incident stemmed from a public complaint report,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Prosecution and Execution at the KPK, at the Red and White Building of the KPK in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Asep expressed the KPK’s gratitude to the public for participating in corruption eradication efforts in their region. “On this occasion, we convey our utmost gratitude for the participation of the community in reporting to us,” he stated.

After receiving the public complaint, the KPK gathered additional information. “Upon obtaining sufficient information, around 6 March, the team conducted intensive monitoring in the Bengkulu region,” Asep explained.

On 9 March 2026, the KPK obtained information about a suspected bribery payment wrapped in plastic being handed over. On 10 March 2026, the KPK brought the regent and deputy regent of Rejang Lebong, along with seven others, to Jakarta for intensive questioning.

On the same date, the KPK announced Muhammad Fikri Thobari as one of five suspects in an alleged corruption case involving bribery. On 11 March 2025, the KPK disclosed the identities of the suspects: Muhammad Fikri Thobari (MFT), Head of the Department of Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas Harry Eko Purnomo (HEP), Irsyad Satria Budiman (IRS) representing private company PT Statika Mitra Sarana, Edi Manggala (EDM) representing private company CV Manggala Utama, and Youki Yusdiantoro (YK) representing private company CV Alpagker Abadi.

They are suspected of bribery related to project advances within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government in Bengkulu for the 2025–2026 budget year.