KPK Investigative Team Conducts Searches at Multiple Locations Following Rejang Lebong Arrest Operation
Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu – The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) investigative team conducted searches at multiple locations in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu, following an arrest operation against the regent and several individuals on Monday evening, 9 March.
The first search was conducted at the residence of Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Area Head Hary Eko Purnomo (HEP) on Jalan Pramuka, RT 03, RW 01, Air Bang Village, Curup Tengah District, Rejang Lebong Regency on Friday, from approximately 10.30 to 14.00 WIB. The five-member investigative team entered the suspect’s residence through a side door, as the front door could not be opened.
During the search, officers borrowed a money-counting machine delivered by Rejang Lebong Police around 12.00 WIB. After completing the search at approximately 14.00 WIB, the investigative team departed with evidence loaded into two suitcases. The team left without providing any statement to waiting journalists, departing in three black Toyota Kijang Innova vehicles.
Nazaruddin, Head of RT 03 RW 01, Air Bang Village, who witnessed the search at HEP’s residence, stated that investigators were seeking evidence including cash and supporting documents. “I saw KPK officers securing money and documents as evidence, though I don’t know the amount,” Nazaruddin said. He explained that after conducting the search and securing evidence, the investigative team immediately proceeded to other locations.
On 9 March, the KPK arrested Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Deputy Regent Hendri, and 11 others in an arrest operation related to alleged bribery involving projects under the Rejang Lebong Regency Government in Bengkulu.
On 10 March, the KPK transported the regent and deputy regent along with seven others to Jakarta for intensive questioning. On the same date, the KPK named Muhammad Fikri Thobari as one of five suspects in an alleged corruption case involving bribery.
On 11 March, the KPK identified the suspects as follows: Muhammad Fikri Thobari (MFT); Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Area Head Hary Eko Purnomo (HEP); Irsyad Satria Budiman (IRS), a private sector representative from PT Statika Mitra Sarana; Edi Manggala (EDM), a private sector representative from CV Manggala Utama; and Youki Yusdiantoro (YK), a private sector representative from CV Alpagker Abadi. They face allegations of advance bribery for infrastructure projects under the Rejang Lebong Regency Government for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.