Appearance of Rp756 Million in Cash Seized by KPK from Rejang Lebong Regent and Others
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has designated Rejang Lebong Regent M Fikri Thobari (MFT) and Public Works Head of Rejang Lebong Regency Harry Eko Purnomo (HEP), along with three private sector representatives, as suspects in a bribery case involving project down payments. The KPK also seized cash totalling Rp756.85 million.
The seized funds were displayed by the KPK during a press conference held on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The money was withdrawn from a suitcase and bag by KPK officers.
The cash comprised various denominations of rupiah notes, including Rp100,000, Rp50,000, and smaller denominations.
Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Prosecution and Enforcement at the KPK, explained that the seized cash was allegedly obtained by the Public Works Head of Rejang Lebong Regency, Harry, who was suspected of planning to hand it over to Regent Fikri. The money was discovered in vehicles and bags belonging to Harry.
“From the sequence of events resulting in the arrest, the KPK team also secured various pieces of evidence, including documents, electronic evidence, and cash totalling Rp756.8 million, with the following breakdown: Rp309.2 million found inside HEP’s vehicle; Rp357.6 million found in a black bag at HEP’s residence; and Rp90 million found in a suitcase stored beneath a television in SAG’s residence,” Asep explained.
Modus Operandi: Demanding Project Fees
The modus operandi of Fikri and Harry has been revealed. The two frequently employed a method of demanding project fees from contractors who won bids for projects in Rejang Lebong Regency.
“During intensive questioning, the KPK also discovered allegations of other receipts by MFT through HEP from various parties using the modus operandi of demanding project fees from numerous contractors, totalling approximately Rp775 million. This conduct appears to constitute a pattern of repeated behaviour,” Asep stated during a press conference at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March.
In the current investigation by the KPK, Fikri is suspected of receiving a further total of Rp980 million in bribes. Consequently, when combined with other receipts discovered, Fikri’s total alleged illicit gains amount to Rp1.7 billion from several projects.
In this case, Regent Fikri allegedly demanded fees or down payments representing 10 to 15 percent from three contractors whom he favoured in project auctions held by the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas Office (PUPRPKP), with amounts ranging from 10 to 15 percent.
The KPK has designated five individuals as suspects in this case. The breakdown is as follows:
Muhammad Fikri Thobari, serving as Regent of Rejang Lebong 2025-2030
Hary Eko Purnomo, serving as Head of the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas Office (PUPRPKP) of Rejang Lebong
Irsyad Satria Budiman, representing the private sector from PT Statika Mitra Sarana
Edi Manggala, representing the private sector from CV Manggala Utama
Youki Yusdiantoro, representing the private sector from CV Alpagker Abadi
Fikri allegedly demanded project fees to meet Eid celebration expenses, including disbursements for staff bonuses.
Fikri and Harry have been charged under Article 12(a) or (b) and/or Article 12B of the Corruption Eradication Law, in conjunction with Article 20(c) of the Criminal Code. The three private sector representatives have been charged under Article 605(1) or Article 606(1) of the Criminal Code, in conjunction with Law No. 1/2026 on Criminal Sentence Adjustment.