Rejang Lebong Regent Receives Nearly Rp 1 Billion in Bribes During Ramadan
The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has stated that Rejang Lebong regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari (MFT) received alleged bribes totalling Rp 980 million during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah.
KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu explained that Thobari received hundreds of millions of rupiah during the fasting month from three project winners at the Rejang Lebong Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Area Office (PUPRPKP).
Asep detailed that Thobari, through intermediary Rejang Lebong PUPRPKP Head Hary Eko Purnomo (HEP), received Rp 330 million on 26 February 2026, equivalent to 3.4 per cent of a Rp 9.8 billion project from CV Manggala Utama (EDM). CV Manggala Utama won a contract for pedestrian and drainage construction and a sports centre.
On 6 March 2026, Asep stated that Thobari, through an intermediary civil servant designated SAG from the Rejang Lebong PUPRPKP, received Rp 400 million, or 13.3 per cent of a Rp 3 billion road project from PT Statika Mitra Sarana (IRS).
On the same date, Thobari, through intermediary civil servant REN from the Rejang Lebong PUPRPKP, received Rp 250 million, equivalent to 2.3 per cent of an Rp 11 billion project from CV Alpagker Abadi for stadium area development and environmental works.
Asep stated that these payments constituted initial instalments in exchange for project contract awards at the Rejang Lebong PUPRPKP, with arrangements previously set at 10-15 per cent of total project value payable in stages as work progressed.
He explained that individual companies paid varying percentages based on their financial capacity, with some paying only 2.3 per cent initially and remaining liable for subsequent instalments.
The allegations culminated in the KPK conducting a coordinated arrest operation on 9 March 2026, in which Rejang Lebong regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Vice-Regent Hendri, and eleven others were detained on suspicion of bribery related to projects under the Rejang Lebong District Government in Bengkulu.