Regent of Rejang Lebong Caught in KPK Sting Operation; PAN to Conduct Internal Review and Strengthen Oversight

JAKARTA — The Secretary-General of the Nasional Mandate Party (PAN) Eko Hendro Purnomo affirmed that the party respects the legal process being conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) against Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari.

He emphasised that PAN will conduct internal evaluations and strengthen its oversight systems for party cadres to ensure they fulfil their responsibilities to the public with integrity.

“This incident serves as a reminder to all PAN cadres that integrity is the foundation for carrying out the public mandate,” Eko stated to Kompas.com on Tuesday (10 March 2026).

Eko stressed that PAN will remain focused on pursuing the party’s agenda to assist the community through various programmes and policies that serve public interests.

“The party does not tolerate actions that violate the law and integrity values,” he asserted, emphasising PAN’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts.

For PAN, the incident is deeply disappointing as it contradicts the party’s founding spirit of commitment to serving public interests.

Furthermore, Eko stated that the party has decided to expel Fikri Thobari from party membership and all structural positions following his designation in the KPK sting operation.

He added that the leadership of PAN’s Rejang Lebong branch will be temporarily taken over by PAN’s Bengkulu provincial chapter.

He described this as a demonstration of the party’s moral and political responsibility to the public.

“Such incidents are certainly very disappointing. PAN’s spirit is to help the people, fight for community welfare, and implement policies that benefit the public, not create difficulties for them,” he added.

The KPK also apprehended the Regent of Rejang Lebong along with his deputy named Hendri. Both were detained in connection with allegations of bribery related to projects within the regional government.