KPK Conducts Intensive Questioning of Rejang Lebong Regent and Deputy Regent Over Alleged Project Bribery
The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed that the dawn raid (Operasi Tangkap Tangan/OTT) that netted Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Deputy Regent Hendri Praja is closely related to alleged corruption offences involving project bribes in the region.
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo revealed that investigators are currently examining the flow of funds and project details that are the subject of the case. “It is suspected to be related to project bribery within the Rejang Lebong District Government,” Budi Prasetyo stated at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March.
Investigation Details
To date, the anti-corruption agency has not specified which government departments were involved or the total value of bribes in the case. Budi stressed that technical details would be disclosed transparently once the legal status of those arrested has been determined. “Regarding which departments the projects belong to and their values, we will provide full details at the press conference,” he said.
Alongside the Regent and Deputy Regent, the KPK task force also detained seven other individuals during the covert operation. All individuals detained are currently undergoing intensive questioning at KPK headquarters.
Under the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK has a maximum of 24 hours to determine the legal status of those detained, whether they will be elevated to suspect status or remain as witnesses.
A press conference is scheduled to be held immediately after the initial examination is completed to provide clarity regarding the case structure. During the operation, investigators also seized supporting evidence materials. KPK investigators also questioned several officials at the level of section heads and department heads within the Rejang Lebong District Government.
Strengthening oversight alone will not be sufficient without accompanying moral awareness from stakeholders in the region.