Indonesian Anti-Graft Agency Probes Bengkulu City Corruption

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is actively investigating a suspected corruption case within the Bengkulu City government. This inquiry is an expansion of an ongoing investigation into bribery related to project deals in Rejang Lebong Regency.

The KPK's probe into Rejang Lebong led to the identification of further alleged illicit activities. Officials believe the regent of Rejang Lebong, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, is suspected of receiving additional payments from private entities beyond those already part of the initial case. These other private parties are now suspected of engaging in similar corrupt practices within the Bengkulu City administration.

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The private parties are now also suspected of engaging in similar practices within the Bengkulu City government.

As part of this expanded investigation, KPK investigators have conducted searches at the offices and residences of private individuals involved in the health and waste management sectors, as well as the home of the Head of the Public Works and Public Housing Agency (PUPR) for Bengkulu City. During these searches, investigators confiscated substantial evidence, including documents, electronic data, and over Rp4 billion in cash found at the PUPR official's residence.

While the KPK has named five suspects in the Rejang Lebong case, including the regent and a local official for bribery, and three private individuals for giving bribes, no suspects have been officially named yet in the Bengkulu City investigation. The seized evidence is crucial for building the case against state officials in Bengkulu City suspected of accepting illicit gifts or promises.

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Cash totaling more than Rp4 billion was found at the home of the Head of PUPR Bengkulu.