Rejang Lebong Regent Arrested by Corruption Eradication Commission, Hendri Becomes Acting Regent
The Regent of Rejang Lebong Regency, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) following a sting operation on Monday, 9 March 2026. Deputy Regent Hendri Praja was subsequently appointed as acting regent to ensure the wheels of regional government in one of Bengkulu Province’s regencies continue turning.
The appointment of Hendri as acting regent was made after the provincial government received a radiogram from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the appointment of a temporary acting regional head.
The decision letter for the acting regent was delivered directly by Bengkulu Deputy Governor Mian on Saturday, 14 March 2026. The handover took place in the Rejang Lebong Regent’s meeting room and was attended by representatives from the Local Leadership Coordination Forum.
“On behalf of the governor, accompanied by the regional secretary, the radiogram from the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed by the Ministry’s Secretary General, follows up on the letter from Governor Helmi Hasan regarding the mandate given to the deputy regent of Rejang Lebong as acting regent,” said Mian in a written statement on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
In his remarks, Mian expressed hope that public services in Rejang Lebong Regency would continue to operate normally. “I share the concern about this calamity in Rejang Lebong. In accordance with regulations and procedures, services in the regency government of Rejang Lebong must continue to function,” said Mian.
The appointment of Hendri as acting regent is aimed at maintaining the stability of regional government following the KPK’s sting operation on Monday, 9 March 2026. As acting regent, Hendri now exercises the authority of the regional head in a temporary capacity pending further decisions in accordance with applicable laws. Through this appointment, the regional government of Rejang Lebong is expected to continue providing public services and development programmes for the community.