Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Riau Governor Abdul Wahid as a suspect in an alleged extortion case within the Riau Provincial Government for the 2025 budget year. The designation follows a sting operation on November 3, 2025, that ensnared Wahid and nine others. The extorted funds were reportedly used for overseas trips.
On November 3, 2025, Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted its sixth sting operation (OTT) of the year, arresting Riau Governor Abdul Wahid and nine others in connection with alleged extortion within the Riau Provincial Government. This operation follows previous ones in regions including South Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Sulawesi.
On November 4, 2025, Riau Governor's aide Dani M. Nursalam (DAN) surrendered to the KPK. The next day, November 5, 2025, the KPK officially named Abdul Wahid (AW), Head of the Riau Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing, Settlements, and Land Agency (PUPRPKPP) M. Arief Setiawan (MAS), and DAN as suspects. The press conference at the KPK's Red and White Building in Jakarta was attended by KPK Vice Chairman Johanis Tanak, Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu, and Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo.
Wahid arrived at the KPK building at 1:46 p.m. WIB wearing an orange vest and handcuffed, and was presented to the media at 2:48 p.m. WIB alongside two other suspects. According to Asep Guntur Rahayu, the extorted funds, collected by DAN, were used for Wahid's overseas trips, including to the UK (London) and Brazil, as well as a planned trip to Malaysia that was canceled due to the arrest. "One of his activities was an official visit abroad. One to England, then also to Brazil, and the last planned one was to Malaysia," Asep stated. He added, "The money was collected by Mr. DAN. So, if there was any activity needed, DAN would prepare it. One that we monitored was for the trip to London, then to Brazil."
The case highlights alleged extortion from subordinates, with the KPK seizing foreign currency from Wahid's home. Although reports vary on the exact number arrested (eight or nine besides Wahid), the suspect designations underscore high-level involvement in Riau.
