Bengkulu, en.SERU.co.id – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation (OTT) against Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Deputy Regent Hendri Praja on the night of Monday, March 9, 2026. The action is suspected to be related to bribery practices involving projects within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government in Bengkulu Province. A total of nine individuals were taken to Jakarta for further questioning by KPK investigators.
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that several offices in the Rejang Lebong Regency Government complex have been sealed. The investigative team also seized various pieces of evidence, including cash and several mobile phones.
“Several parties were secured and brought to Jakarta this morning for further examination. One of them is the Regent of Rejang Lebong,” Budi said, as quoted from Sindonews on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Nine Individuals Taken to Jakarta
In the operation, the KPK initially secured 13 people. However, only nine were subsequently transported to the KPK’s Red and White Building in South Jakarta for intensive questioning.
“From the nine individuals brought to Jakarta, there is one regent and one deputy regent. Then three civil servants (ASN) from the Rejang Lebong Regency Government, and four private sector parties,” Budi explained.
The KPK suspects that the arrests are linked to bribery practices in several projects within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government. However, the KPK has not yet detailed the specific projects involved or the alleged bribe amounts.
“We will provide a more complete explanation later during a press conference, including which agency the projects are under and their values,” he added.
The Operation Began with Surveillance
Prior to the arrests, the KPK team had been monitoring the activities of the Rejang Lebong Regent. Surveillance started on Monday morning when the regent attended an internal event in the South Bengkulu Regency area.
The team then proceeded to the regent’s private residence on Jalan Hibrida, Sidomulyo Village, Bengkulu City. At that location, the KPK conducted searches and arrests. At the time, the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Department (PUPR) of Rejang Lebong Regency, Hary Eko Purnomo, was also present at the house.
Several parties were then taken to the Bengkulu City Police Resort Headquarters for initial questioning before being flown to Jakarta via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
In accordance with OTT handling procedures, the KPK has a 1×24-hour window to determine the legal status of the secured individuals.
Profile of M. Fikri Thobari
Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari is a politician from the National Mandate Party (PAN). He has served as Chairman of the PAN Regional Leadership Council (DPD) for Rejang Lebong since 2019.
Fikri was born in Baturaja on February 4, 1981. He completed his primary education at SDN 04 Nakau, followed by SMPN 02 Curup and MAN 2 Curup. He earned his bachelor’s degree in management from the AMKOP Management Science College in Palembang in 2006. He later obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Prof. Dr. Hazairin SH University in 2023.
Before entering politics, Fikri was known as a businessman. He served as the leader of the Sehasen Jaya newspaper from 2008 to 2010, then as President Director of PT Bukit Juvi Permata and President Director of PT Bukit Juvi Group.
Additionally, he is active in various business and regional development organizations. Fikri has been Chairman of the DPD HIMPERA Bengkulu Province since 2019 and Chairman of the Rejang Lebong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) since 2021. (aan/rhd)
