Bobby's Quip Before Langkat Regent's KPK Arrest: Ondim, On the Money Upfront

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution made a joking remark about Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, nicknamed Ondim, just weeks before the regent was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for alleged bribery. The quip occurred during the inauguration of the National Mandate Party’s (PAN) North Sumatra regional board for the 2024-2029 period in Deliserdang on Sunday, 14 June. Afandin was being installed as the chairman of PAN’s North Sumatra chapter at the event, which was also attended by PAN Chairman Zulkifli Hasan. In his speech, Bobby asked the audience if they knew the meaning of Afandin’s nickname, Ondim. He then revealed it stood for ‘Ongkos di Muka’ (upfront payment), drawing laughter from the PAN cadres present. Bobby, who is also a Gerindra Party politician, jokingly questioned whether the ‘upfront payment’ principle applied during the election of party chairpersons in various districts. He then praised the scale of the event, noting it was held at a larger venue than previous occasions. Just over two weeks later, on Thursday, the KPK conducted a sting operation, arresting Afandin and six others in several cities across North Sumatra. He is suspected of accepting bribes related to projects within the Langkat Education Agency and the Langkat Housing and Settlement Agency. The suspects have been transported to the KPK headquarters in Jakarta for further investigation. Following the arrest, PAN’s central board has suspended Afandin from his position as chairman of the party’s North Sumatra chapter, with the central board taking over the leadership. A party official stated the alleged violation is a personal responsibility that contradicts PAN’s platform for clean governance and apologised for the incident.