Chronology of Arrest of Regent of Rejang Lebong and Others: Chase of Public Works Director Until Capture During Breaking of Fast

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has designated five suspects in a sting operation that ensnared Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari on the evening of Monday, 10 March 2026.

KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu stated that the sting operation was initiated following a complaint report from the public. “After obtaining sufficient information, the previous week, the KPK team conducted intensive surveillance in the Bengkulu region,” Asep said during a press conference at the Red and White Building in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Asep explained that on Monday, 9 March 2026, the KPK team observed a suspected transfer of bribery money (“uang ijon”) wrapped in plastic inside a black bag by the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office (Kadis PUPRPKP), Hary Eko Purnomo, to Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri.

“The location there is not as tight as here in Jakarta. It is not as crowded as Jakarta. So when (the KPK) followed, photographs were taken. The person being followed (the Public Works Director Hary Eko) was indeed aware, knowing that he was being tailed. Eventually he entered an alleyway, changed vehicles, and did other things,” he said.

Asep noted that although Hary Eko and Santri Ghozali managed to change vehicles, the KPK, assisted by members of the public, was able to locate the two individuals.

“Alhamdulillah, with assistance from the public. With the help of the public, even when entering alleyways we were told, ‘Oh sir, he changed cars, the car is this one.’ We searched again,” he said.

Meanwhile, Regent Muhammad Fikri was apprehended at his private residence in Bengkulu.

“At the same time, the KPK team also secured other parties at various locations, including in Bengkulu, Kepahiang, and Rejang Lebong,” he said.

In addition, the KPK secured various pieces of evidence, including documents, electronic evidence, and cash totalling Rp756.8 million. The breakdown includes Rp309.2 million found in Hary Eko’s vehicle; Rp357.6 million in a black bag at Hary Eko’s residence; and Rp90 million in a suitcase stored under the television in Santri Ghozali’s house.

In addition to the regent, the KPK designated four other individuals as suspects: Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office Hary Eko Purnomo, Irsyad Satria Budiman from PT Statika Mitra Sarana, Edi Manggala from CV Manggala Utama, and Youki Yudiantoro from CV Alpagker Abadi.