KPK Reveals Dramatic Chase Through Narrow Alleys During Regent Arrest Operation
The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has disclosed the chronology behind the hand-catching operation (OTT) that ensnared Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari in connection with alleged project kickback bribery. The surveillance operation was marked by dramatic scenes including narrow alley evasion manoeuvres and vehicle pursuits through Bengkulu’s streets.
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that surveillance began when the team tracked the Head of the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing, and Settlement Areas Office (PUPR-PKP) of Rejang Lebong, Harry Eko Purnomo. At that time, Harry, who was being transported by motorbike by his subordinate Santri Ghozali, was suspected of carrying a rucksack containing bribery money.
“These individuals entered small streets and alleys, causing the team to temporarily lose track. However, the team relocated Harry after he switched to travelling by car,” Budi said at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
Officers continued tracking the vehicle until they conducted an interception whilst Harry and several others were breaking fast at a restaurant in the Pantai Panjang area of Bengkulu. During the arrest at approximately 18:00 WIB, the team seized cash totalling Rp310 million.
The arrest drama continued into the early hours of the morning when KPK officers pursued private sector figure Irsyad Satria Budiman. A high-speed vehicle chase ensued before Irsyad was finally apprehended in the Bengkulu area at 23:30 WIB. In total, the KPK secured 13 individuals during the operation, with nine transported to Jakarta for intensive questioning.
Following examination at KPK headquarters, investigators officially designated five individuals as suspects. Besides Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Public Works Head Harry Eko Purnomo, the KPK also named three businesspersons as bribery-offering suspects: Irsyad Satria Budiman (PT SMS), Edi Manggala (CV MU), and Youko Yusdiantoro (CV AA).
The alleged project kickback scheme is suspected to involve commitments valued at Rp980 million from various work packages in Rejang Lebong Regency’s 2026 budget. The funds reportedly originated from a pedestrian pathway and sports centre development project valued at Rp9.8 billion, a road works project valued at Rp3 billion, and a football stadium area development project valued at Rp11 billion. The illegal funds were allegedly transferred in stages through several civil service intermediaries at the Public Works Office.