Regent of Rejang Lebong arrested by KPK during Iftar dinner at restaurant
The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Regent of Rejang Lebong, through a sting operation (OTT) concerning bribery allegations related to project contracts. The KPK revealed that the regent and other suspects were apprehended whilst breaking their fast together (bukber).
“Subsequently, the KPK team secured Harry Eko Purnomo (Head of the Public Works Office) and an official at the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Urban Development Office, along with several other parties whilst they were breaking fast together at a restaurant in the Pantai Panjang area of Bengkulu. Meanwhile, in a parallel operation, the KPK team also secured other parties at several locations, including Bengkulu, Kepahiang, and Rejang Lebong,” stated Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Prosecution and Execution at the KPK, during a press conference at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
Asep explained that a total of 13 individuals were secured from the sting operation. However, ultimately, only nine individuals were brought to Jakarta for intensive questioning, including Regent Fikri and his deputy, Hendri Praja.
Asep stated that of the nine individuals brought to Jakarta, investigators eventually designated five as suspects. Those designated as suspects were selected based on sufficient evidence obtained by the investigators.
“Following intensive questioning and assessment of evidence, five individuals were designated as suspects,” said Asep.
Method of Demanding Project Fees
The modus operandi of Fikri and Harry was exposed. Both frequently employed a method of demanding project fees from contractors who won bids in projects within Rejang Lebong Regency.
“During intensive questioning, the KPK also discovered allegations of other receipts by Fikri through Harry from numerous parties using a method of requesting project fees from several contractors totalling IDR 775 million. This conduct is therefore alleged to be repetitive in nature,” explained Asep during the press conference at KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Wednesday (11 March).
In the matter currently being investigated by the KPK, Fikri is alleged to have received additional bribery totalling IDR 980 million. Thus, when totalled with the other findings, Fikri obtained IDR 1.7 billion from several projects.
Asep revealed that in this case, Regent Fikri demanded project fees or advance payments (ijon) from three contractors whom he designated to win project bids at the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Urban Development Office (PUPRPKP), at rates between 10 and 15 percent. As a result, from this demand for advance project payments, Regent Fikri obtained up to IDR 980 million.
“Following the direct designation, there is alleged to have been an initial transfer of fees in the form of money from the three contractors to Fikri through intermediaries, totalling IDR 980 million,” stated Asep.
The KPK has designated five individuals as suspects in this case. The following is the breakdown:
Muhammad Fikri Thobari, serving as Regent of Rejang Lebong 2025-2030;
Harry Eko Purnomo, serving as Head of the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Urban Development Office (PUPRPKP) of Rejang Lebong;
Irsyad Satria Budiman, a private party from PT Statika Mitra Sarana;
Edi Manggala, a private party from CV Manggala Utama;
Youki Yusdiantoro, a private party from CV Alpagker Abadi.
Fikri demanded project fees to meet Eid holiday expenses. One such use was for holiday allowances for his subordinates.
Fikri and Harry are charged under Article 12 (a) or (b) and/or Article 12 B of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Offences, in conjunction with Article 20 (c) of the Criminal Code. Meanwhile, the three private parties are charged under Article 605(1) or Article 606(1) of the Criminal Code, in conjunction with Law No. 1/2026 on the Adjustment of Criminal Penalties.