Langkat Regent Denies Being Tipped Off About KPK Sting Operation
The Corruption Eradability Commission (KPK) has officially detained the Regent of Langkat, Syah Afandin (SAF), after he was named a suspect in a project bribery case. Syah remained largely silent as he was escorted by the KPK towards the detention vehicle.
Observations at the KPK building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Saturday (4/7/2026), showed Syah exiting the interrogation room at approximately 01:28 WIB. He was seen wearing the orange KPK detainee vest with his hands in handcuffs.
When asked for his thoughts following his detention, Syah spoke only briefly, offering his thanks.
“Nothing (to say), thank you, thank you,” Syah said as he was led towards the detention vehicle.
When questioned regarding whether anyone had provided him with information about the sting operation (OTT), he issued a denial. Syah will be held in the KPK detention centre for the next 20 days.
“No one (gave info regarding the OTT),” he stated.
In relation to the alleged bribery case, the KPK has named two suspects:
The Regent of Langkat, Syah Afandin (SAF)
SAF’s 2024 Regional Election campaign team member, Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu’arif (YQB).
Suspicions regarding a leak of information concerning the sting operation began on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at approximately 21:00 WIB, when Syah Afandin contacted Yaqub to arrange a meeting following an event for the Association of All Indonesian Regency Governments (APKASI).
However, at around 23:00 WIB, Zulkifli, Syah Afandin’s driver, contacted Yaqub to request that Syah Afandin change direction, as he had become aware that the KPK team was present in the Langkat Regency.
Syah was arrested by the KPK while en route to Binjai City. The KPK team also seized Rp 100 million, which was discovered under the front passenger seat of the vehicle.