KPK: Rejang Lebong Case Development Linked to Bengkulu City Officials

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that the development of the bribery case ensnaring inactive Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari is linked to state officials in the Bengkulu City Government. “The alleged receipt of gratuities or promises by state officials within the Bengkulu City Government,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists in Jakarta on Sunday. Budi stated that this development by the KPK is commonplace, especially following a sting operation. “An investigation that begins with a caught-in-the-act event is an initial step to uncover other, larger cases and is not limited to the area where the arrest occurred. The KPK has done this several times,” he said. Previously, on 9 March 2026, the KPK arrested Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Vice Regent Hendri, and 11 other individuals in a sting operation related to alleged project bribery within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government, Bengkulu. On 10 March 2026, the KPK announced Muhammad Fikri Thobari as one of five suspects in the alleged corruption case involving bribery. The following day, the anti-corruption agency announced the identities of the suspects: Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Head of the Rejang Lebong Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas Agency Hary Eko Purnomo, Irsyad Satria Budiman from PT Statika Mitra Sarana, Edi Manggala from CV Manggala Utama, and Youki Yusdiantoro from CV Alpagker Abadi. The five suspects are alleged to have been involved in bribery related to project earmarking within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The KPK suspects Muhammad Fikri Thobari requested a fee of around 10 to 15 percent from the three private parties. The money was allegedly intended for specific purposes, including plans to distribute holiday bonuses. On 20 July 2026, the KPK announced the development of the case, although no new suspects had been named at that time. On 26 July 2026, the KPK stated it had searched several locations in Bengkulu, including the office and home of a private party engaged in medical devices and waste management, as well as the home of the Head of the Bengkulu City Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency, Noprisman. One piece of evidence found by the KPK was Rp4 billion in cash from Noprisman’s residence.