KPK Arrests Regent of Rejang Lebong in Latest Anti-Corruption Operation
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Regent of Rejang Lebong, in a hand-catching operation (OTT). This represents the eighth OTT operation conducted by the KPK throughout 2026 and the second during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah. KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto confirmed the arrest when contacted in Jakarta on Tuesday.
“That’s correct, the Regent of Rejang Lebong,” Fitroh stated.
In accordance with the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK has 24 hours from the time of arrest to determine the legal status of the regional head in Bengkulu Province.
The KPK has conducted multiple OTT operations since the beginning of 2026. The first operation occurred on 9–10 January 2026, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals related to allegations of bribery in tax examinations at the Large Taxpayers Office (KPP) of North Jakarta under the Ministry of Finance’s Directorate General of Taxes for the 2021–2026 period.
The second OTT took place on 19 January 2026, with the arrest of Madiun Mayor Maidi. A day later, the KPK designated him as a suspect in alleged corruption involving extortion using the modus operandi of project compensation, corporate social responsibility funds, and gratification within the Madiun City Government in East Java.
On the same date, the KPK also conducted the third OTT, arresting Pati Regent Sudewo. He was subsequently designated as a suspect in alleged extortion related to the appointment of village officials in Pati Regency, Central Java.
The fourth OTT occurred on 4 February 2026 at the Large Taxpayers Office in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, concerning allegations of corruption in the tax restitution process.
On the same date, the KPK announced the fifth OTT, which involved alleged corruption related to the importation of counterfeit goods. One of those arrested was Rizal, former Director of Enforcement and Investigation at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise at the Ministry of Finance, who was serving as Head of the Regional Customs Office for West Sumatra at the time.
The sixth OTT was announced on 5 February 2026, concerning alleged corruption in handling a land dispute of 6,500 square metres at the District Court of Depok in West Java. In this case, the KPK designated several parties as suspects, including Head of Depok District Court I Wayan Eka Mariarta, Deputy Head of Depok District Court Bambang Setyawan, and Director of PT Karabha Digdaya, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Finance.
Meanwhile, the seventh OTT was announced on 3 March 2026, coinciding with Ramadan. In this operation, the KPK designated Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq as a suspect in alleged corruption related to the procurement of outsourcing services and other procurement activities within the Pekalongan Regency Government during the 2023–2026 budget years.
The KPK has indicated that more than one person was detained in the hand-catching operation that ensnared Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari.