Regent of Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu Officially Detained by KPK after Being Named Suspect

Muhammad Fikri Thobari, regent of Rejang Lebong in Bengkulu Province, has been officially detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) following his designation as a suspect in an alleged bribery case involving government projects.

Based on monitoring at the KPK’s Red and White Building, Fikri completed questioning on Wednesday (11 March) at 04:41 WIB in the early morning. Wearing the distinctive orange detention vest, he remained silent as he was taken to the KPK State Detention House (Rutan).

In addition to Fikri, the KPK has designated four other suspects, all of whom have also been detained. Of these, three are private sector individuals acting as bribery providers, whilst two are state officials serving as bribery recipients, including Fikri.

“Regarding the confidential investigation in the Bengkulu region, a preliminary briefing was conducted yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) at the leadership level, and the legal status of those detained has been determined. The KPK has designated five individuals as suspects in this confidential investigation,” stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the Jakarta office on Tuesday (10 March) evening.

“The five individuals designated as suspects comprise three as bribery providers and two as bribery recipients,” he added.

Budi confirmed that one of the suspects is Regent Fikri. Regarding other matters such as the chronology of the Covert Operation (OTT) and the case construction, these will be presented at a press conference on Wednesday (11 March).