Light Sentence: KPK Has Not Yet Decided, Riau Governor Claims Fabrication
The judges of the Pekanbaru Corruption Court have handed down a two-year prison sentence to the inactive Governor of Riau, Abdul Wahid. Abdul Wahid has immediately filed an appeal, while the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has yet to declare its position.
The sentencing hearing for Wahid was held at the Pekanbaru District Court, Riau, on Thursday (30/07/2026). The two-year sentence is considerably lower than the 8.5-year prison term demanded by the KPK prosecutors. The panel of judges stated that Abdul Wahid was proven guilty of gratification charges, specifically violating Article 12B of the Anti-Corruption Law.
“Declaring the defendant, Abdul Wahid, legally and convincingly guilty of committing corruption as stated in the third alternative indictment under Article 12B in conjunction with Article 18 of the Anti-Corruption Law, in conjunction with Article 20 letter C of the Criminal Code. Sentencing him to 2 years of imprisonment,” the judge stated. The court also imposed a fine of Rp 200 million, which, if unpaid, would result in an additional 80 days in prison. Furthermore, Abdul Wahid is required to pay restitution of Rp 1.45 billion. If the defendant fails to pay the restitution within one month after the verdict gains permanent legal force, his assets may be seized and auctioned; if assets are insufficient, he will face an additional 1 year and 6 months in prison.
In addition to Abdul Wahid, the judges also read the verdicts for the former Head of the Riau Public Works Department (PUPR), Arief Setiawan, and the former Expert Staff to the Governor, Dani Nurssalam, both of whom were also sentenced to two years in prison. Arief is also required to pay a fine of Rp 200 million and restitution of over Rp 1 billion, minus the evidence previously seized by the KPK.
Abdul Wahid immediately declared his intention to appeal, alleging that the case was fabricated. “On this occasion, to seek further justice, we are filing an appeal,” said Abdul Wahid’s lawyer. Abdul Wahid questioned the lack of mitigating considerations in the verdict, claiming the trial facts were ignored. “I feel innocent in this matter and have never committed such acts. However, it is truly fabricated; I feel this is full of manipulation,” said Abdul Wahid.
The KPK has not yet taken a definitive stance, stating they will first study the judges’ legal considerations regarding the verdict. “Regarding the imposed criminal sentence, the KPK public prosecutors will first thoroughly study the legal considerations of the panel of judges before determining a further legal position,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists on Friday (31/07/2026). Budi noted that there is a seven-day window to determine an official stance. He added that the KPK appreciates the judges’ finding that the defendant was proven guilty and urged all parties to respect the ongoing legal process.
The case originated from a sting operation conducted by the KPK in 2025. Abdul Wahid was brought to court alongside Arief, Dani, and Marjani, the Governor’s aide, on charges of extortion. Prosecutors alleged they coerced several Heads of Road and Bridge Technical Service Units (UPT) within the Riau PUPR Department to provide funds totalling Rp 3.5 billion, using threats of forced transfers as leverage.