KPK Conducts Sting Operation in Rejang Lebong: Regent, Deputy Regent and Civil Servants Arrested
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) transported nine individuals arrested in a sting operation in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu, to the Red and White Building in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March.
Among those detained in the Rejang Lebong operation were Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Deputy Regent Hendri, civil servants (ASN), and private sector representatives.
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that the covert operation was conducted on the evening of Monday, 9 March, at two different locations: Rejang Lebong District and Bengkulu City.
“Of the nine individuals brought to Jakarta this morning, there is one regent, one deputy regent, and three other civil servants from the Rejang Lebong district administration. The remaining four are private sector figures,” Budi stated at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March.
Budi stated that the arrests in the Rejang Lebong sting operation are related to alleged bribery or gratification in connection with the execution of various projects within the Rejang Lebong district government.
To date, the KPK has not disclosed the total value of suspected corruption in Rejang Lebong District.
“This is related to projects within the Rejang Lebong district administration. We will update you regarding which government departments are involved, the project values, and we will provide complete details at a press conference,” Budi said.
The KPK has 1 × 24 hours to determine the legal status of the individuals caught in the sting operation. The agency is currently investigating the flow of funds and details of the projects at the centre of the case. In addition to apprehending the senior officials, investigators also seized supporting evidence.
The covert operation is strongly suspected to be linked to bribery practices in project implementation in the region. Strengthening oversight alone will not be sufficient without moral awareness from stakeholders in the region.