KPK Highlights Recurring Corruption in Kuansing Following Suhardiman's Arrest

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) believes that the alleged bribery case involving the Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby, serves as an important reminder of the necessity to strengthen integrity and corruption prevention in the region, following the recurrence of corruption cases involving regional heads.

“When corruption occurs again in Kuansing, it is not only the integrity of state officials that is tarnished, but also the public’s trust in the noble values that have long been the pride of the Kuansing region,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK Red and White Building, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

According to Budi, the alleged corrupt practices are also linked to strategic regional projects that directly impact public interests.

Furthermore, he emphasised that strengthening integrity and corruption prevention efforts must be carried out consistently to ensure that similar cases do not recur.

Acting Director of Investigations at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, stated that the case involving Suhardiman is the second sting operation conducted by the KPK in Kuantan Singingi Regency.

Previously, in 2021, the KPK also conducted a sting operation against the then-Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Andi Putra, in a case involving alleged bribes related to the extension of Land Cultivation Rights (HGU).

“The first instance also involved a regional head in that area in 2021, namely AP, serving as the Regent of Kuansing for the 2021–2025 period, who was found guilty in a corruption case involving bribes for HGU extensions,” said Taufik.

From the current case, five individuals were brought to the KPK Red and White Building for intensive interrogation, including three private sector representatives, one civil servant from the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government, and Suhardiman’s wife, Suci Nitia Edwar.

The KPK subsequently requested Suhardiman and the Kuantan Singingi Regional Secretary, Zulkarnain, to surrender on 30 June 2026. Both were later picked up by investigators at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

On 1 July 2026, the KPK officially named Suhardiman Amby, Zulkarnain, and the President Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant, Ardiles, as suspects in an alleged bribery case involving the sale and purchase of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government, Riau.