Riau Governor Abdul Wahid to Face Trial in 'Protection Money' Extortion Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has completed its investigation of inactive Riau Governor Abdul Wahid in a case concerning alleged extortion of his subordinates at the provincial Public Works Service technical implementation unit (UPT Dinas PUPR).
“Today, Monday (2 March), the investigation into the alleged corruption offence related to extortion within the Riau Provincial Government has been declared complete, designated as P21, and transferred to the prosecution phase,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told journalists on Monday (2 March 2026).
Prasetyo explained that investigators have submitted evidence and three suspects to the prosecution team (JPU). The prosecutors will expedite the completion of the indictment.
“The JPU will prepare the indictment within a maximum of 14 working days, after which the case file will be transferred to the Corruption Court (Tipikor) for the trial process,” he stated.
The case originated from a raids on inactive Riau Governor Abdul Wahid in early November 2025. The case against Abdul Wahid relates to allegations of fee demands by him from his subordinates at the provincial Public Works Service unit.
The KPK subsequently designated three suspects in the extortion case within the Riau Provincial Government:
Riau Governor Abdul Wahid
Head of the Public Works Service, Muhammad Arief Setiawan
Governor’s Expert Adviser, Dani M Nursalam
The KPK suspects Abdul Wahid threatened his subordinates with demands to remit funds known as ‘protection money’ totalling approximately 7 billion rupiah. There were at least three payments made in June, August, and November 2025.