Arrest Operation of Rejang Lebong Regent Over Project Bribery Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation against Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari. The KPK stated that the sting operation was related to alleged bribery of projects within the Rejang Lebong Regional Government.

“In this sting operation, it is suspected to be related to project bribery within the Rejang Lebong Regional Government,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta, Tuesday (10 March 2026).

Budi stated that thirteen individuals were secured by the KPK in the sting operation carried out on Monday (9 March). They were initially questioned at the local police station.

“During the course of the sting operation conducted by the KPK team on Monday, 9 March 2026, the team secured a total of thirteen individuals who then underwent initial questioning at Kepahyang Police Station and also at Bengkulu Metro Police,” he explained.

Budi subsequently stated that some of them were brought to the KPK for further investigation. Additionally, Rejang Lebong Deputy Regent Hendri Praja was among those arrested.

“Of the nine individuals brought to Jakarta this morning, one is a regent, then the deputy regent. And also, three other civil servants from the Rejang Lebong Regional Government. Then, four others are from the private sector,” he stated.

Earlier, the KPK launched a sting operation against Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari. This operation became the second during Ramadan 2026.

“Confirmed, Rejang Lebong Regent,” said KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto when asked for confirmation, reported Antara, Tuesday (10 March 2026).

The KPK has 24 hours to determine the status of the regional head from Bengkulu. This is in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).

Fitroh had not explained which parties were ensnared in this sting operation. Similarly, he did not clarify the alleged corruption charges.

Previously, the KPK conducted its first sting operation of 2026 by arresting eight individuals between 9–10 January 2026. This arrest concerned alleged bribery in tax audits within the Jakarta North Medium Tax Service Office at the Directorate General of Taxes of the Ministry of Finance during the period 2021–2026.