Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has heightened vigilance for public prosecutors handling a road construction corruption case in North Sumatra following a fire at the home of Medan District Court Judge Khamozaro Waruwu. The incident occurred on November 4, 2025, and KPK is supporting the police investigation into its cause. The corruption case stemmed from a sting operation in June 2025.
The home of Medan District Court Judge Khamozaro Waruwu in the Taman Harapan Indah complex, Tanjungsari, Medan Selayang, Medan, caught fire on November 4, 2025, around 10:40 WIB. At the time, Khamozaro was presiding over a session at the Medan District Court and learned of the incident after being contacted by a neighbor via phone, though he could not answer as he was occupied. On November 6, 2025, the Central Board of the Indonesian Judges Association (PP Ikahi) revealed that Khamozaro had received terror calls before the fire.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) expressed concern over the incident, noting that Khamozaro was handling KPK's sting operation case related to alleged corruption in North Sumatra road construction projects. Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution KPK, Brig. Gen. Asep Guntur Rahayu, stated, “We are certainly saddened by the burning of the judge's house who is handling the North Sumatra sting operation case, a case handled by KPK.”
In response, KPK has increased security for public prosecutors (JPU) assigned to the case's trials. “We are certainly increasing vigilance for the public prosecutors (JPU) who are currently carrying out their duties, namely prosecuting in activities or trials related to the North Sumatra sting operation case,” Asep said at the KPK's Red and White Building in Jakarta on November 11, 2025. The JPUs, based in Jakarta, are staying in North Sumatra and have been provided with KPK security following discussions with Acting Director of Prosecution KPK, Joko Hermawan.
KPK is also monitoring the investigation by the North Sumatra Police (Polda Sumut) and supporting police efforts. “We support the investigation and prosecution efforts that are certainly carried out by the police. Hopefully, the incident's cause can be revealed,” Asep said. KPK is awaiting further investigation results.
Case background: On June 26, 2025, KPK conducted a sting operation (OTT) related to corruption in the North Sumatra Provincial Public Works and Spatial Planning Office and the National Road Implementation Work Unit Region I North Sumatra. On June 28, 2025, five suspects were named: Head of PUPR North Sumatra Topan Obaja Putra Ginting (TOP), Rasuli Efendi Siregar (RES), Heliyanto (HEL), Muhammad Akhirun Piliang (KIR), and Muhammad Rayhan Dulasmi Piliang (RAY). The case involves two clusters with a total project value of Rp231.8 billion, where Akhirun and Rayhan are alleged bribe givers, and Topan, Rasuli, and Heliyanto as recipients.