KPK Exposes 15 Percent Project Fee Scandal in Rejang Lebong

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed the modus operandi of Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari in an alleged project advance bribery case. Thobari allegedly imposed a commission or fee of between 10 and 15 percent of the project value at the Department of Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas (PUPRPKP) in Rejang Lebong.

Deputy for Prosecution and Execution at the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, disclosed that this illicit agreement originated from a meeting at the Regent’s Official Residence in February 2026. During the meeting, Thobari, together with a trusted associate with initials BDA and the head of the PUPRPKP Department, Hary Eko Purnomo (HEP), arranged which contractors would carry out the fiscal year 2026 projects.

“In that meeting, there was allegedly discussion of the arrangement or selection of contractors for project work at the PUPRPKP Department in fiscal year 2026, including discussion of a fee of approximately 10-15 percent of the project value,” said Asep.

Asep explained that the imposition of the project fee was motivated by the regent’s personal financial needs. “The regent needed a sum of money to meet various activities or personal requirements,” he added.

For context, the PUPRPKP Department in Rejang Lebong had a budget allocation of Rp91.13 billion for fiscal year 2026. This budget was allegedly targeted through the project fee scheme.

Following intensive investigations after a sting operation (OTT) on 9 March 2026, the KPK formally designated five individuals as suspects. The suspects are currently detained at KPK facilities to expedite further investigation into the alleged project advance bribery case within the Rejang Lebong District Government in Bengkulu province.

During the sting operation, the KPK seized evidence in the form of hundreds of millions of rupiah and arrested the five suspects. Specifically, the KPK confiscated Rp756.8 million, which is alleged to be derived from project bribes and intended for personal needs including holiday allowances.