BNPB Pledges Cooperation and Respect for KPK’s Arrest Operation

Jakarta — Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has responded to reports that one of its officials was caught in a sting operation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), saying it respects the legal process being carried out by the anti-corruption body.

“BNPB fully respects the legal process and procedures currently being conducted by the KPK,” said Berton SP Panjaitan, acting head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre, in a statement on Tuesday (13 October 2026).

Berton said BNPB upholds the presumption of innocence. The agency has also pledged to co-operate and provide any data and access to information required, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

“BNPB will not intervene in any way in the investigation and inquiry being conducted by law enforcement officials,” he said.

Berton said BNPB’s leadership had instructed the Inspectorate to conduct an internal review and secure documents as part of its oversight responsibilities.

“BNPB’s leadership has instructed the Main Inspectorate to conduct an internal review and secure documents as a form of internal oversight,” he said.

BNPB urged all staff to remain focused on disaster response and humanitarian duties and not to be distracted by the ongoing legal process. The agency also asked the public and media to await official information from law enforcement and avoid speculation, reiterating its commitment to strengthening governance, integrity and internal oversight.

The KPK conducted a sting operation on Tuesday (13 October 2026). The anti-corruption agency was reported to have detained an official from BNPB along with several other people.

KPK chairman Setyo Budiyanto confirmed that an operation had taken place at BNPB.

“That is correct; there was an operation,” Setyo said when asked for confirmation.

Setyo did not disclose the identities of those detained, the suspected offence or the evidence seized. He said further details would be provided by KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo.