KPK Sting Operation in Rejang Lebong: Suspects Arrested During Breaking of Fast
The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has arrested one of the suspects in a sting operation (OTT) in Rejang Lebong Regency whilst they were breaking the Ramadan fast together.
The KPK initially received information regarding the alleged bribery through public complaints. “After obtaining sufficient information, the KPK team conducted intensive monitoring in the Bengkulu region last week,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK, at a press conference at the commission’s office on Wednesday, 11 March.
The operation began on Monday, 9 March, when the KPK team observed the transfer of alleged “advance payment money” wrapped in plastic inside a black bag by the Head of the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Residential Area Service (PUPRPKP) Hary Eko Purnomo to Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari.
The KPK team then followed Hary and Santri Ghozali, an ASN at PUPRPKP, as they left the office on a motorcycle carrying the black bag. Subsequently, Hary, Ghozali and several others were arrested by the KPK whilst breaking the fast together at a restaurant in the Pantai Panjang area of Bengkulu.
In parallel operations, the KPK team also apprehended other individuals at various locations in Bengkulu, Kepahiang and Rejang Lebong. The sting operation resulted in a total of 13 people being secured.
Nine individuals, including Regent Fikri, Hary and Deputy Regent Hendri, were brought to Jakarta for intensive questioning at KPK headquarters, the Red and White Building, on Tuesday, 10 March.
From the sting operation, the KPK team secured various pieces of evidence, including documents, electronic evidence and cash totalling 756.8 million rupiah.
The KPK has formally charged five suspects in the case of alleged corruption related to advance payment bribery for projects in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province, for the 2025–2026 financial year.
Two suspects are charged as bribe recipients: Regent of Rejang Lebong (2025–2030 period) Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Head of the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Residential Area Service Hary Eko Purnomo.
Three suspects are charged as bribe givers: Irsyad Satria Budiman from PT Statika Mitra Sarana; Edi Manggala from CV Manggala Utama; and Youki Yusdiantoro from CV Alpagker Abadi.
All suspects have been detained for an initial 20-day period from 11 March to 30 March 2026 at the State Detention Centre branch at the Red and White Building of the KPK.