Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) successfully apprehended nine individuals during a sting operation (Operasi Tangkap Tangan – OTT) conducted in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province. Among those detained are key figures: the Mayor of Rejang Lebong, M. Fikri Thobari, and the Vice Mayor, Hendri.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed that the swift operation took place on Monday, March 9. Initially, KPK teams secured a total of 13 people for preliminary questioning in Bengkulu as part of the broader anti-corruption sweep.
Prasetyo further elaborated on the sequence of events from the KPK Red and White Building in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 10. “In the course of this sting operation, the KPK team initially secured 13 individuals who then underwent initial examinations at the Kepahiang Police and the Bengkulu City Police stations,” he stated, detailing the immediate aftermath of the arrests.
Following these initial interrogations, the KPK decided to bring nine of the individuals to Jakarta for more extensive follow-up questioning. They arrived at the KPK headquarters on Tuesday morning, signaling a significant escalation in the investigation.
Outlining the composition of the group transported to Jakarta, Prasetyo clarified, “Among the nine individuals brought to Jakarta this morning are the Mayor, the Vice Mayor, and three other civil servants from the Rejang Lebong Regional Government. The remaining four are private individuals.” This breakdown highlights the broad scope of the alleged corruption network.
Beyond the arrests, the KPK also seized a range of crucial evidence during the operation. This included various documents, critical electronic evidence, and a substantial amount of cash, all believed to be directly related to the alleged illicit activities.
While confirming the recovery of cash, Prasetyo did not immediately disclose the exact amount in Rupiah. “We will provide details on the seized cash at a later time,” he assured, indicating that the investigation into the financial aspects is ongoing.
Prasetyo indicated that the OTT is connected to suspected bribery schemes involving projects within the Rejang Lebong Regional Government. However, the KPK has yet to release a detailed explanation of the specific case construction or the full extent of the alleged criminal enterprise.
Currently, all individuals who have been secured hold the status of “persons under examination.” In line with legal procedures, the KPK has a critical 1×24 hour window to determine their official legal status, which could range from witnesses to suspects.
As of reporting, neither the Mayor nor the Vice Mayor of Rejang Lebong has issued any public statement or comment regarding their apprehension by the anti-graft agency.
Summary
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation (OTT) in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province, apprehending nine individuals. Among those detained were the Mayor of Rejang Lebong, M. Fikri Thobari, and the Vice Mayor, Hendri. The swift operation took place on Monday, March 9, with nine people, including the key officials, subsequently brought to Jakarta for further questioning.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the arrests and stated that various documents, electronic evidence, and a substantial amount of cash were seized. The operation is linked to suspected bribery schemes concerning projects within the Rejang Lebong Regional Government. All secured individuals are currently “persons under examination,” with the KPK having 1×24 hours to determine their legal status.