Bobby Nasution Admits to Previously Reprimanding Langkat Regent Before KPK Sting Operation

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has revealed that he previously issued reprimands to Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, also known as Ondim, before the latter was caught in a sting operation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). According to Bobby, the North Sumatra Provincial Government, as the central government’s representative in the region, has a duty to oversee the running of district and city administrations. Therefore, when irregularities in governance were identified, his office did not remain silent. “We, as the central government’s representative in the region, certainly convey any irregularities we sense in the running of the government,” Bobby said at the North Sumatra Governor’s Office on Monday (6 July). He explained that the reprimands were not always delivered formally. In various meetings, both formal and informal with regional heads, Bobby admitted to reminding Syah Afandin on several occasions. “Whether it was a direct reprimand, or a subtle one, or perhaps satirical, it has actually been conveyed several times,” he stated. When pressed further on whether the reprimands had been repeated, Bobby did not deny it. “Yes, I have already said that,” he replied curtly. The Langkat Regent was arrested in a KPK sting operation in North Sumatra on Thursday (2 July). Syah Afandin is suspected of accepting bribes amounting to Rp800 million related to projects within the Education Agency and the Public Housing and Settlement Areas Agency. The money was allegedly received from a private sector party and member of his 2024 election campaign team, Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif. The KPK arrested seven individuals in the operation, including Syah Afandin, Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif, the Acting Head of the Langkat Education Agency Ilhamsyah, the regent’s aide Akbar, the regent’s driver Zulkifli, Syahrial, and another private party, Sugiarto. The anti-graft agency seized evidence including Rp100 million in cash, foreign currency worth approximately Rp1.22 billion consisting of 66,950 Singapore dollars and 11,518 Malaysian ringgit, as well as Rp244.7 million in rupiah. Investigators also confiscated 55 platinum bars with a total weight of around 55 kilograms found in Syah Afandin’s vehicle, along with two bank accounts in his name holding approximately Rp2.27 billion, electronic evidence, and various documents. Following the initial investigation, the KPK named Syah Afandin and Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif as suspects. They are being detained for an initial 20-day period from 3 July to 22 July 2026. Syah Afandin is charged under Article 12 letters a or b of the Corruption Eradication Law, while Yaqub faces charges under the Criminal Code.