South Sumatra DPRD Member and Son Arrested by Prosecutors over Rp 1.6 Billion Bribery
PALEMBANG — A member of the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) in Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra, identified by the initials KT, and his son RA were arrested by investigators from the South Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati Sumsel) on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
The arrests were connected to the alleged receipt of approximately Rp 1.6 billion from a contractor linked to the disbursement of an advance payment for the Ataran Air Lemutu Irrigation Network Development project in Tanjung Agung sub-district, managed by the Muara Enim Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR). The irrigation project has a total contract value of Rp 7 billion.
Head of the Legal Information Section at the South Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office, Vanny Yulia Eka Sari, stated that the Rp 1.6 billion constituted an advance payment disbursement from the project’s total value.
Investigators discovered evidence of fund transfers from PT DCK to suspect RA, with the Rp 1.6 billion subsequently forwarded to KT. Additionally, investigators found a white Toyota Alphard with registration number B 2451 KYR parked at KT’s residence, which is believed to have been purchased using the bribe money.
The investigative team conducted searches at three separate locations, including two houses belonging to KT in the Greencity Simple Housing complex in Muara Lawai village, and the residence of a witness identified as MH on Jalan Pramuka 4, Pasar II sub-district, Muara Enim. Items seized included the white Toyota Alphard, project-related documents, mobile phones, and other relevant correspondence.
Both suspects have been formally detained for 20 days at the Class 1 State Detention Centre in Palembang, from 18 February 2026 to 9 March 2026, as confirmed by the Head of the South Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office, Dr Ketut Sumedana.
In the course of the investigation, 10 witnesses have been examined, drawn from the relevant government agency, contractors, banking institutions, and the Procurement Services Unit (ULP).
The South Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office indicated that the case remains under active development. Vanny Yulia Eka Sari emphasised that the investigation would continue to be expanded, stating: “This case is still being developed. It is not out of the question that examinations will also target regional government officials, including the head of the region, should any connection be found.”
The case has drawn public attention as it involves a sitting DPRD member accused of abusing his position in connection with an irrigation infrastructure project that was intended to benefit farming communities in the Tanjung Agung area of Muara Enim.