Ex-Bupati Langkat Campaigner Detained in Medan, KPK Cites Flight Constraints

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has explained that a former member of Bupati Langkat Syah Afandin’s 2024 election campaign team, Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif, was detained at the Polresta Medan detention centre in North Sumatra due to limited flight availability to Jakarta. Acting KPK Director of Investigations Achmad Taufik Husein stated that the private sector individual was not immediately brought to Jakarta after the sting operation because of technical constraints. He explained that the KPK team had consolidated before deciding to transport those caught in the operation to Jakarta, but limited flight tickets meant only state officials could be flown initially. The team that arrested Yaqub was located outside Medan city, and flights from the region to Jakarta were reportedly fully booked. Consequently, the KPK placed Yaqub in the custody of the Medan police detention centre. The KPK conducted the sting operation in Langkat, Binjai, and Medan on 2 July 2026, arresting Bupati Langkat Syah Afandin, a civil servant from the Langkat administration, and five private individuals. On 3 July 2026, the KPK named Syah Afandin and Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif as suspects in an alleged bribery case involving projects within the Langkat Regency Government for the 2025-2026 period. Syah Afandin is suspected of receiving Rp800 million in bribes from a total commitment of Rp1.117 billion from Yaqub, after the latter secured 80 projects in the Langkat Education Office and five projects in the Housing and Settlement Office in 2025. The KPK also suspects Syah Afandin of receiving gratuities amounting to Rp3.5 billion related to the appointment of sub-district heads, positions in the Education Office, the appointment of primary and junior high school principals, and the procurement of primary school uniforms.