Corruption Commission Reveals Case Implicating Rejang Lebong Regent as Suspect: Project Advance Fee Bribery
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has designated Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari as a suspect following his apprehension in a sting operation (OTT). The regent is suspected of involvement in procurement project bribery at Rejang Lebong District Government.
“Currently, the investigation concerns allegations that the regent and various private parties acting as project implementers received payments in what constitutes advance fee project bribery at Rejang Lebong District Government,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday (10 March 2026).
The KPK has not yet disclosed details regarding the structure of the case against Fikri. The commission will hold a press conference presenting the results of the sting operation in Rejang Lebong on Wednesday (11 March).
“We will certainly investigate procurement practices within Rejang Lebong District Government, including the flow of money and whether other parties are suspected of receiving payments related to project funds at Rejang Lebong District Government,” he explained.
Budi added that investigators in this case have seized hundreds of millions of rupiah. They also secured other evidence including documents.
“During this sting operation, in addition to apprehending individuals, the KPK also secured documentary evidence, electronic materials and cash totalling hundreds of millions of rupiah,” he noted.
The KPK has designated five suspects in the alleged bribery case at Rejang Lebong District Government. One of the suspects is Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari.
“Regarding the closed investigation activities in the Bengkulu region, an exposure was conducted at the leadership level this afternoon and legal status has been determined for those apprehended, whereby the KPK has designated five individuals as suspects in the closed investigation,” he stated.
Of the five suspects, three are from the bribe-giving side whilst two are bribe recipients.
“The five designated as suspects comprise three as bribe givers and two as bribe recipients,” Budi clarified.
“Yes, one of them is Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari,” he added.