KPK brings 9 of 13 arrested suspects in Rejang Lebong operation to Jakarta

Jakarta — The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has transported nine of thirteen suspects arrested in a sting operation (OTT) targeting Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Deputy Regent Hendri to the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta for investigation.

“Thirteen people were secured there, and nine were brought to Jakarta,” KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told journalists in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Budi disclosed that the nine suspects comprise the regent and deputy regent of Rejang Lebong, three state civil apparatus officials from Rejang Lebong Regency in Bengkulu Province, and four private sector representatives. The nine individuals are now at the KPK’s headquarters in Jakarta undergoing intensive examination.

The suspects were initially arrested on Monday evening (9 March). The operation took place in Rejang Lebong and Bengkulu City. Preliminary examinations were conducted at two locations: Kepahiang Police Station and Bengkulu City Police Station.

Under Indonesian criminal procedure law, the KPK has 24 hours to determine the status of the arrested suspects.

This operation represents the eighth major KPK sting operation in 2026. Previous operations have targeted officials across various jurisdictions and sectors. The first operation in January 2026 resulted in eight arrests related to alleged bribery in tax inspections at the Jakarta North Middle Tax Office. The second operation apprehended Madiun Mayor Maidi on suspicion of extortion involving project contracts and corporate social responsibility funds. The third operation detained Pati Regent Sudewo for allegedly extorting payment for village positions.

The fourth operation in early February targeted the Banjarmasin Middle Tax Office concerning alleged irregularities in tax restitution processes. The fifth operation, also in February, involved the arrest of the former Director of Enforcement and Investigation at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Rizal, over alleged customs violations and counterfeit goods. The sixth operation in February revealed alleged corruption in land dispute proceedings at Depok District Court in West Java, resulting in the arrest of the court’s chief judge and others. The seventh operation in early March targeted Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq for alleged corruption in outsourcing service procurement.