PAN Dismisses Rejang Lebong Regent Fikri Thobari Following KPK Sting Operation
The Regent of Rejang Lebong, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, has been implicated in a KPK anti-corruption sting operation. The Nasional Mandate Party (PAN) has now suspended Fikri Thobari from his party structural position.
“The PAN executive board has suspended Muhammad Fikri Thobari from his party structural position. For the time being, the position of PAN Rejang Lebong Regional Chair has been taken over by the PAN Bengkulu Provincial Executive,” said PAN Deputy Chairperson Viva Yoga Mauladi when asked for confirmation on Tuesday (10/3/2026).
Viva stated that the party respects the legal process underway against its member. The party expressed confidence that law enforcement must be conducted objectively and transparently.
“PAN fully respects the legal process currently taking place at the KPK. We believe that law enforcement must proceed transparently, objectively, professionally, and in accordance with principles of justice,” he said.
PAN emphasised its commitment to combating corruption in Indonesia. The party called on all regional leaders to fulfil the people’s mandate with full responsibility.
“PAN has been committed from the outset to supporting the eradication of corruption in Indonesia. Therefore, we will continue to strengthen the cadre development system, enhance internal supervision, and ensure that all PAN members entrusted with public office fulfil the people’s mandate with full responsibility,” he said.
PAN expressed profound regret over the sting operation that has ensnared its member. Viva stated that Muhammad Fikri Thobari’s actions were contrary to the party’s struggle and were purely for personal interest.
“The Nasional Mandate Party (PAN) expresses concern and deep regret over the unlawful and disgraceful actions of PAN member Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Regent of Rejang Lebong, in carrying out his duties as regional head, resulting in his entrapment in the anti-corruption sting operation conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK),” he said.
“PAN affirms that the actions of the individual concerned represent personal responsibility, violate PAN’s political platform, and do not reflect the values, principles, and PAN’s commitment to upholding integrity, transparency, and clean governance,” he added.
Previously, the KPK arrested 13 individuals in the sting operation targeting Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari. In addition to the Regent, the KPK arrested Rejang Lebong Deputy Regent Hendri Praja.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said a total of 13 individuals were detained in the operation. Of these, nine individuals were brought to the KPK office in Jakarta.
“Of the nine individuals brought to Jakarta this morning, there is one Regent, then the Deputy Regent, and three other civil servants from the Rejang Lebong Regency administration. Additionally, the other four are private sector individuals,” said Budi at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday (10/3).
Budi stated that the KPK team detained them in the Rejang Lebong area during the night. They were briefly questioned at the local police station.