KPK Seizes IDR 756.8 Million in Rejang Lebong Regent Arrest Case

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confiscated evidence totalling hundreds of millions of rupiah and arrested five suspects in an alleged bribery case involving Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, who was apprehended during a sting operation.

KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu detailed that the seized funds amounted to IDR 756.8 million. Of this amount, IDR 309.2 million was found in the vehicle of Harry Eko Purnomo, Head of the Public Works and Housing Office, whilst IDR 357.6 million was discovered in a black bag at another suspect’s residence.

The KPK also secured additional evidence including documents and electronic devices such as mobile phones. A suitcase containing IDR 90 million was discovered stored under the television at the residence of Santri Ghozali, a civil servant at the Public Works office.

The investigation revealed that Harry provided a total of IDR 775 million to Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, suspected to be bribes from projects in the regency. According to Asep, the money allegedly came from various parties using a scheme of project fee payments.

The regent remains in KPK detention for 20 days, with the anti-corruption agency believing the bribery extended beyond a single transaction. Investigators uncovered that the regent allegedly imposed project fees for holiday bonuses and Lebaran celebrations.

Five suspects have been formally named in the case: Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Public Works and Housing Office Head Harry Eko Purnomo, and three private sector individuals—Irsyad Satria Budiman, Edi Manggala, and Youki Yusdiantoro.