KPK Issues Sharp Statement After Kuansing Regent Caught in Sting Operation Twice in Five Years

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has stated that the alleged bribery case involving Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby serves as a reminder of the importance of strengthening integrity and corruption prevention in the region, following yet another corruption case implicating a local leader there. “When corruption occurs again in Kuansing, it tarnishes not only the integrity of state officials but also public trust in the noble values that have long been the pride of the Kuansing region,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo on Thursday, 2 July 2026. He noted that the alleged corrupt practices are also linked to strategic regional projects that directly affect the public interest. Budi stressed that strengthening integrity and corruption prevention efforts must be carried out consistently to prevent similar cases from recurring. “Moreover, the alleged criminal act of corruption in Kuansing Regency is also related to strategic regional projects that naturally intersect with the livelihoods of many people,” he said. Acting Director of Investigation 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 carried out a sting operation against the then Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Andi Putra, in a suspected bribery case related to the extension of a land cultivation rights permit (HGU). “The first was also a regional head in that area during 2021, namely AP as the Regent of Kuansing for the 2021–2025 period, who was found guilty in a criminal corruption case involving bribes for an HGU extension,” said Taufik. The KPK conducted the sting operation in Kuantan Singingi and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, securing 10 individuals. Of that number, five were taken to the KPK’s Red and White Building for intensive examination, comprising three private sector parties, a civil servant from the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government, and Suhardiman’s wife, Suci Nitia Edwar. The KPK subsequently requested that Suhardiman and Kuantan Singingi Regional Secretary Zulkarnain surrender themselves 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.