Why Was Rejang Lebong Regent Arrested After Only One Year in Office?
Shocking news came from Bengkulu Province. Not even a year into his term as leader, Regent of Rejang Lebong Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Vice Regent Hendri Praja were caught in a sting operation (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on the evening of Monday, 9 March 2026.
This arrest sparked major questions amongst the public. How could regional leaders who were only inaugurated on 20 February 2025 fall into corruption so quickly? The following is an analysis and the facts behind the bribery scandal in Rejang Lebong.
The KPK enforcement team conducted a silent operation at several locations in Rejang Lebong District and Bengkulu City. In the operation, a total of 13 people were secured, including regional heads, civil servants, and private parties. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed that the arrest was related to alleged receipt of infrastructure project fees within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government.
“Furthermore, in this sting operation, the team, in addition to securing several parties, also secured evidence, including documents, electronic evidence, and cash,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the Red and White Building of the KPK in South Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
By Tuesday morning, 10 March 2026, nine people including the Regent and Vice Regent had been flown to Jakarta to undergo intensive examination at the KPK’s Red and White Building. Investigators also sealed the Regent’s office and confiscated cash and important documents as evidence.
Muhammad Fikri Thobari was not new to the business world. Before winning the 2024 regional election, he was known as a successful property entrepreneur who served as President Director of PT Bukit Juvi Group and Chair of the PAN DPD (Provincial Leadership Council) in Rejang Lebong. His background as an entrepreneur was initially expected to bring efficiency to regional development.
Based on wealth declaration data reported when he ran for office, Fikri possessed assets totalling Rp19.5 billion, comprising mostly land and buildings scattered across Bengkulu and Rejang Lebong. Ironically, his alleged involvement in infrastructure project bribery revealed a vulnerability gap in the very sector he mastered as a property entrepreneur.
Administratively, Muhammad Fikri Thobari continues to serve as Regent. However, following his arrest, Regional Secretary Iwan Sumantri ensured that public services continue to operate normally, with government coordination awaiting instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the appointment of an Acting Official (Plt).
The KPK has not detailed the exact amount of money seized, but evidence in the form of cash in Rupiah denominations and project documents has been secured for further investigation.
Muhammad Fikri Thobari is a member of the National Mandate Party (PAN). In the 2024 regional election, he paired with Hendri (Vice Regent) and successfully secured the majority votes of Rejang Lebong’s population.
The simultaneous arrest of the Regent and Vice Regent of Rejang Lebong marks a dark record for the bureaucracy in Bengkulu. Whilst public services are guaranteed to continue operating under the Regional Secretary’s supervision, public trust is now at its lowest point. This scandal serves as a stark reminder that oversight of regional projects must be tightened from the first year of leadership.