Eight Facts About the Anti-Corruption Commission's Operation Against Rejang Lebong Regent and Deputy
The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has launched a fresh operation against regional officials. This time, the KPK has targeted Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Deputy Regent Rejang Lebong Hendri Praja.
At the outset of the operation, the KPK explained that the arrests of Fikri Thobari and Hendri Praja were linked to alleged bribery in municipal projects in Rejang Lebong Regency. This operation marks the second major arrest during Ramadan 2026. The following details have emerged from the Rejang Lebong Regent and Deputy Regent operation:
- Regent of Rejang Lebong Arrested
The KPK launched an operation against Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari on Monday, 9 March. Subsequently, the KPK also apprehended Deputy Regent Rejang Lebong Hendri Praja.
“Confirmed, the Regent of Rejang Lebong,” said KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto when asked for confirmation, according to Antara news agency on Tuesday, 10 March.
Previously, the KPK conducted its first operation in 2026 by apprehending eight individuals between 9-10 January 2026. This arrest was related to alleged bribery in tax examinations within the North Jakarta City Tax Service Office under the Directorate General of Taxes, Ministry of Finance, for the period 2021-2026.
- Alleged Project Bribery Case in Municipal Government
The KPK stated that this operation was related to an alleged project bribery case within Rejang Lebong Regency’s local government. Thirteen people were secured by the KPK in the operation conducted on Monday, 9 March. They underwent initial questioning at the local police station.
“In this operation, it is suspected to involve project bribery within Rejang Lebong Regency,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March.
Budi further stated that some of those apprehended were brought to the KPK for further questioning. “In the context of this operation conducted by the KPK team on Monday, 9 March 2026, the team secured 13 individuals who underwent initial questioning at the Kepahyang Police Station and also at the Bengkulu City Police Station,” he explained.
- Deputy Regent Also Brought to KPK
In addition to the regent, the KPK also apprehended Deputy Regent Rejang Lebong Hendri Praja. Of the nine individuals brought to KPK headquarters in Jakarta, Hendri Praja’s name was among them.
“Of the nine individuals brought to Jakarta this morning, one is a regent, then a deputy regent, and also three others from the civil service in Rejang Lebong Regency. Then the other four are private sector figures,” said Budi.
- Cash Seized During Operation
During the operation against Rejang Lebong Regent, the KPK seized documents and cash.
“During this operation, the team, in addition to apprehending various individuals, also secured evidence items, including documents, electronic evidence, and also cash,” said Budi.
- National Mandate Party Dismisses Regent
The National Mandate Party (PAN) has now dismissed Rejang Lebong Regent Fikri Thobari from his party structural position following his apprehension in the KPK operation.
“The PAN executive board has dismissed Muhammad Fikri Thobari from his party structural position. For the time being, the position of Chairman of the Rejang Lebong Regional Leadership Council has been taken over by the Bengkulu Provincial Leadership Council,” said PAN Deputy Chairman Viva Yoga Mauladi when asked for confirmation on Tuesday, 10 March.
Viva stated that the party respects the legal process underway against its member. The party believes that law enforcement must be conducted objectively and transparently.
“PAN fully respects the legal process currently underway at the KPK. We believe that law enforcement must be conducted transparently, objectively, professionally, and in accordance with principles of justice,” he said.
PAN affirmed its commitment to combating corruption and urged all regional heads to fulfil the people’s mandate seriously. PAN expressed deep regret over the operation that has ensnared one of its members.
- KPK Designates Five Suspects
The KPK has designated five suspects in the operation in Rejang Lebong. One of the suspects is Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari.
“Regarding the closed investigation activities in the Bengkulu region, an exposure was conducted this afternoon at the leadership stage and a legal status decision has been made on those apprehended, whereby the KPK has designated five individuals as suspects in the closed investigation,” said Budi.
Budi did not elaborate on the identities of the other four suspects. However, he confirmed that three of them are persons providing money.
“Of the five individuals designated as suspects, three are persons providing money and two are persons receiving money,” he explained.
“Yes, one (suspect is Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari),” he added.
- KPK Seizes Hundreds of Millions in Cash
The KPK has designated five individuals as suspects in the operation in Rejang Lebong. The KPK also seized cash worth hundreds of millions of rupiah in the operation.
“During this operation, in addition to the KPK apprehending the individuals, documents, electronic evidence, and cash totalling hundreds of millions of rupiah were also secured,” said Budi.
Budi did not provide details on the exact amount of money seized. He stated that his team is still conducting further investigation.
“We will certainly investigate further regarding procurement practices of goods and services within Rejang Lebong Regency, including the flow of money, and whether there are other parties suspected of receiving funds related to project flows within Rejang Lebong Regency,” he explained.
- Alleged Advance Payment Project Bribery
After designating Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari as a suspect, the KPK stated that Fikri is allegedly involved in bribery related to procurement projects in Rejang Lebong Regency.
“What is currently being investigated concerns the alleged receipt of money by the Regent and from several private sector figures as project implementers in the construction of advance payment project bribery schemes in Rejang Lebong Regency,” said Budi.
The KPK has not yet elaborated on the detailed construction of the charges against Fikri. The KPK will hold a press conference on the results of the Rejang Lebong operation on Wednesday, 11 March.