KPK Issues Sharp Statement After Kuansing Regent Caught in Sting Operation Twice in Five Years
The Corruption Eradability Commission (KPK) considers the alleged bribery case involving the Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby, to be a vital reminder of the need to strengthen integrity and corruption prevention in the region, following another corruption case involving a local leader there.
“When corruption recurs 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,” stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo, as quoted on Thursday, 2 July 2026.
He noted that the alleged corrupt practices are also linked to strategic regional projects that directly impact the interests of the community.
Furthermore, Budi emphasised that strengthening integrity and corruption prevention efforts must be carried out consistently to ensure similar cases do not recur.
“Particularly because the alleged corruption in Kuansing Regency also relates to strategic regional projects which undoubtedly intersect with the livelihoods of many people,” he added.
The 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 bribery related to the extension of Land Cultivation Rights (HGU).
“The first instance also involved a regional head in that area in 2021, namely AP, the Regent of Kuansing for the 2021–2025 period, who was found guilty in a corruption case involving bribery for HGU extensions,” said Taufik.
It is reported that the KPK conducted sting operations in Kuantan Singingi and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, detaining 10 individuals.
Of that number, five individuals were taken to the KPK’s Merah Putih Building for intensive interrogation, including three private sector representatives, one civil servant from the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government, and the wife of Suhardiman, Suci Nitia Edwar.
The KPK subsequently requested Suhardiman and the Regional Secretary of Kuantan Singingi, Zulkarnain, to surrender on 30 June 2026. Both were later picked up by investigators at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
On 1 July 2026, the KPK 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.