Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Rejang Lebong Deputy Regent Hendri alongside Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari in a sting operation on Monday night, March 9, 2026. A total of 13 people were detained in connection with suspected corruption in local government projects. Nine of them, including the two officials, were flown to Jakarta for further questioning.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu province, on Monday night, March 9, 2026, targeting alleged corruption related to projects in the Rejang Lebong Regency Government (Pemkab). Initially, only Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari was reported arrested, but it later emerged that Deputy Regent Hendri was also detained.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. "Yes, one of them was also secured," he told reporters. A total of 13 people were apprehended and underwent initial examinations at Kepahiang Police Resort and Bengkulu City Police Resort. Of that number, nine were flown to the KPK's Red and White Building in Jakarta, including the regent, deputy regent, three civil servants (ASN), and four private sector individuals.
"One regent, then the deputy regent. And also three others from ASN in the Rejang Lebong regency area. Then four others from the private sector," Budi stated. The KPK team also seized evidence including documents, electronic devices, and cash. KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Nurcahyanto confirmed the regent's arrest, saying, "Correct, the Rejang Lebong Regent."
Intensive examinations are ongoing, and the KPK has 1x24 hours under the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) to determine the legal status of the suspects. Budi added that details on the chronology, case structure, and project values would be announced later.
Responding to the increasing number of sting operations against regents, House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani called for an evaluation between the DPR and the government. "We must evaluate together... Whether political costs are too high or how to provide accountability education," she said. She emphasized the importance of accountability awareness to prevent corruption at the local level.
