PKS Says Regent Arrest Is A Disaster, Calls For Interior Ministry Response

PKS Commission II Member of the House of Representatives Mardani Ali Sera responded to the Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari being caught in a KPK anti-corruption operation (OTT). Mardani described the situation as a disaster.

“First, this is a disaster and everyone must be accountable. The situation is urgent. Second, we appreciate the KPK’s diligence in enforcing the law,” Mardani told journalists on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

The PKS DPP Bappilu Chairman noted that corruption by regional heads often targets procurement contract work and job promotions. He called for the Interior Ministry to evaluate regional heads following the spike in KPK anti-corruption operations.

“Third, the pattern is always in two areas: procurement contract work and job promotions. Both must be made transparent. Fourth, Commission II together with the Interior Ministry must conduct a thorough evaluation of this anti-corruption operation,” he added.

The KPK previously arrested 13 people in an anti-corruption operation against Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari. In addition to the regent, the KPK arrested Deputy Regent Hendri Praja.

KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said a total of 13 people were secured in the operation. Of that number, nine people were brought to the KPK building in Jakarta.

“Of the nine people brought to Jakarta this morning, one is the regent, then the deputy regent, and also three other civil servants from the Rejang Lebong regency administration. Then, the other four are from the private sector,” Budi said at the KPK building in South Jakarta on Tuesday (10 March).

Budi stated that KPK officers secured them in the Rejang Lebong area at night. They were briefly questioned at the local police headquarters.