The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed that Rejang Lebong Deputy Regent Hendri will not be named a suspect in the ongoing bribery case, leading to his immediate release. This clarification came from KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto on Wednesday, March 11th, who stated that investigations at the KPK’s Red and White Building found no indication that Hendri received illicit funds related to the alleged corruption involving several projects in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu.
Despite his current release, Hendri was initially among 13 individuals apprehended during a KPK sting operation (OTT) related to the same case. However, following preliminary screening, only nine of those detained were transported to Jakarta for further questioning, a process that ultimately led to the official naming of only five suspects.
Among the five individuals officially implicated in the scheme is Rejang Lebong Regent M. Fikri Thobari. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo elaborated on the breakdown of the suspects, revealing that three are identified as bribe-givers, while two are alleged recipients of the illicit payments.
During a press briefing at the KPK Red and White Building in South Jakarta on Tuesday evening, March 10th, Budi Prasetyo announced the designation of these five suspects following a closed investigative process. While the identity of other implicated parties remains undisclosed, Budi clarified that the provisional case construction points to alleged bribery directly linked to various projects within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government.
Specifically, the ongoing investigation delves into allegations that the Rejang Lebong Regent received substantial sums of money from several private entities engaged as project implementers. This alleged activity is described as a “project futures” bribery scheme, indicating that payments may have been made in anticipation or exchange for future project awards.
Hundreds of Millions Seized
Beyond the arrests, KPK investigators successfully secured a range of crucial evidence during the operation, including electronic documents and a significant amount of cash. Budi confirmed that the seized currency was in rupiah. However, the exact total value of the money confiscated during this extensive operation has not yet been publicly disclosed by the KPK.
Further demonstrating the thoroughness of their inquiry, the KPK team also sealed several rooms directly pertinent to the case within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government premises. While specific details regarding these sealed locations have not been provided, Budi affirmed that such measures are standard procedure, undertaken as vital steps to support the ongoing investigative process.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed the release of Rejang Lebong Deputy Regent Hendri, stating he will not be named a suspect in an ongoing bribery case. Investigations found no indication that Hendri received illicit funds related to alleged corruption involving several projects. From an initial apprehension of 13 individuals, the KPK eventually named five official suspects, including Rejang Lebong Regent M. Fikri Thobari.
Among the five suspects, three are alleged bribe-givers and two are recipients, with the Regent identified as a recipient. The case centers on an alleged “project futures” bribery scheme where the Regent purportedly received substantial sums from private entities for various government projects. During the operation, KPK investigators seized hundreds of millions in rupiah and electronic documents, and also sealed several relevant rooms within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government premises.