KPK: Metal in Langkat Regent Case Inscribed 'Platinium', Authenticity Still Under Review

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is still examining metal bars suspected to be platinum in the case of suspended Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, also known as Ondim. The KPK has now stated that the metal items are inscribed with the word ‘platinium’, not platinum. “There is evidence we found regarding metal inscribed ‘platinium’, actually. The physical item reads ‘platinium’. This was only discovered towards the end of the process,” said Acting KPK Director of Investigations Achmad Taufik Husein during a press conference at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Saturday. Taufik did not deny that investigators initially thought the metal was inscribed ‘platinum’, which would have commanded a fantastic price, especially given the 55 bars found. He said the commission is still consulting experts from both Antam and Pegadaian to verify the authenticity of the items. “Regarding its authenticity, we are still coordinating with several experts, as we previously mentioned, from Antam and Pegadaian,” Taufik stated. Platinum is a metal rarely encountered in corruption cases; the KPK more commonly seizes gold. The KPK named Ondim a suspect in a bribery case involving project fees within the Langkat Regency administration following an undercover operation. Ondim was caught in the operation on Thursday, alongside Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif, a member of Ondim’s campaign team for the 2024 regional election. Both were subsequently named suspects. The KPK suspects Ondim received Rp800 million from Yaqub up to April 2026. In June 2026, Ondim requested Rp300 million, but Yaqub was allegedly only able to provide Rp100 million. In addition to bribery, Ondim is suspected of receiving gratuities totalling Rp3.5 billion.