Riau Governor Transferred to Pekanbaru Prison Ahead of Extortion Case Trial
The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has transferred the detention of inactive Riau Governor Abdul Wahid and other suspects in the case of alleged extortion of subordinates at the Riau Public Works Service (PUPR) Technical Implementation Unit. The transfer of detention facilities was conducted ahead of the scheduled trial.
“The KPK prosecutors have transferred the detention of the defendants in the case of alleged corruption and extortion within the Riau Provincial Government,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
Budi explained that Abdul Wahid and Riau PUPR Section Head M Arif Setiawan have been transferred to Pekanbaru Prison, whilst suspect Dani M Nur Salam, who serves as the Riau Governor’s Technical Advisor, has been transferred to Pekanbaru Correctional Facility.
“The transfer of the defendants’ detention is to prepare for the upcoming trial. Currently, the KPK prosecution team is still awaiting the setting of a trial date for this case,” he stated.
It is understood that the KPK has completed its investigation into Abdul Wahid regarding the alleged extortion of subordinates at the Riau PUPR Technical Implementation Unit. Abdul Wahid will soon face trial.
The case originated from a sting operation (OTT) on Riau Governor Abdul Wahid in early November 2025. The case implicating Wahid concerns alleged demands for fees by Abdul Wahid from subordinates at the Riau PUPR Technical Implementation Unit.
The KPK subsequently named three suspects in connection with the extortion case within the Riau Provincial Government. The three suspects are:
Riau Governor Abdul Wahid
Head of PUPR-PKPP Department Muhammad Arief Setiawan
Technical Advisor to the Riau Governor Dani M Nursalam
The KPK alleges that Abdul Wahid threatened subordinates with demands for what is known as “racketeering fees” (jatah preman) totalling 7 billion rupiahs. At least three payments of these extortion fees were made in June, August, and November 2025.