KPK explains how Rejang Lebong case expanded to Bengkulu

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has explained how the investigation into an alleged bribery case within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government expanded into a corruption probe within the Bengkulu City Government. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated in Jakarta on Sunday that the development of the case originated from the bribery investigation ensnaring non-active Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari. “From the investigation in Rejang Lebong, evidence was obtained that the Regent is also suspected of receiving payments from other private entities,” Budi said. He explained that Fikri Thobari allegedly received money from private parties beyond the three companies previously named as suspects, namely PT Statika Mitra Sarana, CV Manggala Utama, and CV Alpagker Abadi. “These other private entities are now suspected of engaging in similar practices within the Bengkulu City Government,” he stated. A day later, the KPK named Muhammad Fikri Thobari as one of five suspects in the alleged bribery case. On 11 March 2026, the KPK announced five suspects: Muhammad Fikri Thobari; Head of the Rejang Lebong Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas Agency Hary Eko Purnomo; Irsyad Satria Budiman from PT Statika Mitra Sarana; Edi Manggala from CV Manggala Utama; and Youki Yusdiantoro from CV Alpagker Abadi. On 20 July 2026, the KPK announced the expansion of the case investigation but had not yet named new suspects. On 26 July 2026, the KPK revealed it had searched several locations in Bengkulu City, including the offices and homes of private parties involved in medical devices and waste management, as well as the home of the Head of the Bengkulu City Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency, Noprisman. During the search, investigators found evidence in the form of Rp4 billion in cash at Noprisman’s residence. The KPK stated the search was related to an investigation into alleged criminal acts of corruption involving state officials or public officers within the Bengkulu City Government.