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

The Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, has disclosed that he had previously issued warnings to the Regent of Langkat, Syah Afandin (also known as Ondim), before the official was caught in a sting operation (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

According to Bobby, the North Sumatra Provincial Government, acting as the representative of the Central Government in the region, has a duty to oversee the administration of regencies and cities. Consequently, when irregularities are identified in the administration of government, the provincial authorities do not remain silent.

“As the provincial government, we act as the representative of the central government in the region. Any matters we find irregular in the implementation of the wheels of government, we will certainly communicate,” said Bobby Nasution at the North Sumatra Provincial Government office on Monday (6/7).

He explained that these warnings were not always delivered formally. On various occasions, during both official meetings and informal gatherings with regional heads, Bobby admitted to reminding Syah Afandin several times.

“Whether through direct warnings—since we often gather with regional heads—be it subtle warnings, satirical remarks, or direct reprimands, we have actually communicated this several times,” Bobby revealed.

When asked whether these warnings had indeed been issued repeatedly to Syah Afandin, Bobby did not deny it, responding briefly, “As I have just stated.”

Previously, the Regent of Langkat, Syah Afandin, was caught in a KPK sting operation in North Sumatra on Thursday (2/7). Syah Afandin is alleged to have received bribes for projects within the Education Office and the Housing and Residential Areas Office (Dinas Perkim) amounting to Rp800 million.

The funds were allegedly received from a private individual and 2024 regional election campaign team member, Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif. During the operation, the KPK arrested seven individuals, including Syah Afandin, Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif, the Acting Head of the Langkat Education Office Ilhamsyah, the Regent’s aide Akbar, the Regent’s driver Zulkifli, Syahrial, and a private sector individual named Sugiarto.

The KPK also seized various pieces of evidence, including Rp100 million in cash, foreign currency totalling approximately Rp1.22 billion (comprising 66,950 Singapore dollars, 11,518 Malaysian ringgit, and Rp244.7 million), and 55 platinum nuggets weighing approximately 55 kilograms found in Syah Afandin’s vehicle.

Furthermore, investigators seized two bank accounts under Syah Afandin’s name with balances of approximately Rp2.27 billion, electronic evidence, and several documents. Based on preliminary investigations, the KPK has named Syah Afandin and Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif as suspects.

Both individuals have been detained for the initial 20-day period, effective from 3 July to 22 July 2026. In this case, Syah Afandin, as the alleged recipient of the bribe, is charged under Article 12 letter a or letter b and/or Article 12B of Law Number 31 of 1999, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes.

Meanwhile, Yaqub, as the alleged bribe giver, is charged under Article 605 or Article 606 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code, in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2026 regarding Criminal Law Adjustment and Article 20 letter c of Law Number 1 of 2023.