Rejang Lebong Secretary Assures Public Services Remain Normal Following Regent and Deputy Regent's Arrest in KPK Operation

The Government of Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu, has assured that government operations and public services will continue normally, following the arrest of Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Deputy Regent Hendri by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a sting operation conducted on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The two leaders of Rejang Lebong Regency in Bengkulu were arrested alongside several officials and private sector figures in connection with bribery allegations related to projects within Rejang Lebong Regency.

“We are ensuring that government operations continue as usual. All regional apparatus organisations (OPD) have been instructed to continue implementing their duties and services to the community properly,” said Regional Secretary Iwan Sumantri whilst issuing a statement in Rejang Lebong on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Iwan explained that the ongoing legal process must not hinder the obligation of civil servants to serve the community. He guaranteed that bureaucratic stability within Rejang Lebong Regency Government would be maintained.

Regarding details of the covert operation conducted by the anti-corruption agency, Iwan stated he had not yet received a detailed report concerning the chronology or confirmed identities of the officials detained. “I only received this information after dawn prayers. For further clarity, we are still awaiting an official statement from the KPK,” he said.

He urged all staff within Rejang Lebong Regency Government to remain focused on their work and not be influenced by unverified information, whilst awaiting further developments.

After issuing his statement to the media, Regional Secretary Iwan Sumantri immediately resumed his official duties. He was observed chairing a coordination meeting with several OPD heads at the local regent’s office to ensure that regional work programmes continued according to plan.

Earlier, KPK enforcement teams reportedly conducted the sting operation at the residence of Rejang Lebong Regent in Bengkulu City on Monday afternoon, allegedly ensnaring several regional officials in connection with corruption allegations, including Regent Muhammad Fikri, Deputy Regent Hendri, the Public Works and Public Housing Office head with initials HEP, Public Works office staff member J, and contractors with initials EM and Y.