Kuansing Regent Knew of Sting Operation, Tried to Hide Vehicle Evidence, Says KPK

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has disclosed that Suhardiman Amby, the Regent of Kuantan Singingi for the 2025-2030 period, and Regional Secretary Zulkarnain were aware of the impending sting operation on 29 June 2026, prompting them to flee. Acting KPK Director of Investigations Achmad Taufik Husein stated that the agency received information about a party who picked up the regent, making his whereabouts unknown, though the investigation team remained focused on locating the two individuals. Taufik further revealed that the regent’s team attempted to cover their tracks by visiting a car dealership to hide evidence of a vehicle that had been purchased in instalments since 2025. The vehicle is suspected to be linked to the bribery transactions. Suhardiman, Zulkarnain, and Ardiles, the Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant, have been detained for an initial 20-day period. In addition to the bribery charges related to his position, Zulkarnain is also being investigated for alleged illegal payments connected to the release of Limited Production Forest areas, with the KPK planning to probe possible money flows to officials within the Ministry of Forestry.