KPK Conducts Sting Operation in Kuansing, Riau, Over Bribery for Regional Secretary Post

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation in Kuantan Singingi, Riau Province. The KPK stated that the operation was related to bribery for the buying and selling of the regional secretary post. “This bribe is suspected to be for the position of Regional Secretary of Kuansing Regency,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK building in Jakarta on Tuesday. A total of ten people were arrested in the sting operation in Kuansing. Budi said five of them were taken to Jakarta for further examination at the KPK building. “Three individuals are from the private sector, one is a civil servant in Kuantan Singingi Regency, and another is a family member of a state official or civil servant from Kuantan Singingi Regency,” he added. The whereabouts of Regent Suhardiman Amby and Regional Secretary Zulkarnaen remain a mystery following the operation. Both disappeared when the KPK team conducted the operation in Kuansing. Budi said the KPK team is currently searching for Suhardiman and Zulkarnaen. The KPK has urged both to be cooperative. “We appeal on this occasion to the Regent and Regional Secretary of Kuansing to cooperate and surrender to the KPK so that the ongoing legal process can be carried out effectively,” he explained. Budi further stated that the KPK leadership has conducted a case review regarding the alleged bribery in the Kuansing sting operation. The result determined that the case meets the requirements to be elevated to the investigation stage. “From this series of covert investigations, an exposure was held this afternoon and the leadership has decided that this case proceeds to the investigation stage, so in this investigation process the KPK will name the parties as suspects,” he said. The KPK has 24 hours to determine the legal status of those detained. The KPK is scheduled to hold a press conference on the case on Wednesday.