Langkat Regent Flown to Jakarta Following KPK Sting Operation

The Regent of Langkat, North Sumatra, Syah Afandin, also known as Ondim, will be flown to Jakarta this afternoon following his arrest in a sting operation (OTT) conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Thursday (2/7). KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated at the Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Friday (3/7) that the regent is being brought to the capital for further examination. The KPK arrested a total of seven individuals in the operation, comprising one civil servant from the Langkat Regency administration and five private sector representatives. The sting relates to alleged bribery connected to projects within the Langkat Regency Education Office and the Housing and Settlement Office. During the covert operation, the KPK also seized evidence of the alleged criminal activity, including cash amounting to hundreds of millions of rupiah. The evidence is suspected to be part of project fees given by private parties to the regent. The operation took place across three locations: Langkat, Binjai, and Medan. Spokesperson Budi added that investigators will further examine and trace other potential allegations of gratuity, bribery, or extortion involving the regent or other state officials in the Langkat area.