Former Rejang Lebong Regent and Public Works Chief Detained in Bengkulu Prison

The former Regent of Rejang Lebong, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, and the Head of the district’s Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas (PUPR-PKP) agency, Hary Eko Purnomo, have been officially detained at the Class IIB Malabero Detention Centre in Bengkulu City, Bengkulu Province. Family members who arrived when the two detainees were brought in could only wait at the front gate, as visits are not yet permitted while the KPK detainees are still undergoing the orientation period (Mapenaling). The detention is linked to an alleged bribery case involving project ‘ijon’ (advance kickbacks). The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) also carried out the second phase of the case transfer (P.21), handing over the suspects and evidence to the public prosecutor. Rafi Rizaldi, Head of the Detention Services Sub-section at the Bengkulu Class IIB Detention Centre, confirmed the arrival of the two KPK detainees on Monday and the subsequent transfer of the case on Tuesday, noting that around seven KPK personnel and legal representatives were present. The suspects’ legal counsel, Benny Irawan, stated that they would follow the entire legal process and ensure their client’s rights are fulfilled. The transfer of the case files for Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Hary Eko Purnomo is also expected to impact the ongoing trial of three private sector defendants accused of being the bribe-givers in the same case. The case originated from a sting operation on 9 March 2026, when the KPK arrested the Regent, Vice Regent Hendri, and 11 other individuals. The anti-graft agency later named five suspects, alleging that Thobari requested a 10 to 15 percent fee from contractors for projects in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with the illicit funds reportedly intended for various purposes, including holiday bonuses (THR).