Rejang Lebong Regent Detained in KPK Anti-Corruption Sweep

The Regent of Rejang Lebong, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, alongside six others, was caught in a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) anti-corruption sting operation. They have been flown to Jakarta this morning.

According to Antara news agency on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, the sting operation is suspected to involve the practice of project fee payments within the Rejang Lebong regional government. Based on information received, the KPK team carried out this enforcement action following a series of closed investigations.

Based on field observations, the KPK brought in seven individuals. Fikri Thobari was seen wearing a white shirt and jeans under strict security from personnel from the Bengkulu Regional Police and Kepahiang Police.

The timeline of the sting operation began on Monday morning (9 March) when the KPK team monitored the activities of the Rejang Lebong Regent in South Bengkulu Regency whilst he attended an internal event.

Subsequently, the KPK team proceeded to the personal residence in question on Hibrida Street, Sidomulyo Village, Gading Cempaka District, Bengkulu City.

During enforcement and the search, the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Department for Rejang Lebong Regency, Hary Eko Purnomo, was also present at the regent’s private residence.

Later, around 18.00 WIB, the KPK team brought several individuals to Bengkulu Regional Police headquarters for initial examination.

In addition to detaining several individuals, the KPK team seized evidence including mobile phone units and a quantity of cash allegedly sourced from contractors and related to suspected project fee payments.

On the other hand, Kepahiang Police Chief AKBP Yuriko Fernanda confirmed that Kepahiang Police headquarters was used by the KPK team to conduct the examination.

“It was used as a venue for the examination conducted by the KPK; it has been borrowed since 23.00 WIB,” he stated.