Indonesian Anti-Graft Body Arrests Regent, Seizes Cash in Bribery Probe

Langkat Regent Syah Afandin has been arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in an operation that also netted seven others, including civil servants and private individuals. The sting operation, conducted on Thursday, uncovered hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash, believed to be project kickbacks. The arrests took place across three locations: Langkat, Binjai, and Medan.

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The team also secured evidence including hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash, which is suspected to be part of project fees given by private parties to the regent.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that investigators are looking into further allegations of gratification, bribery, and extortion. "We will also investigate whether there have been other receipts or gratifications made by the regent or state officials in the Langkat region," Prasetyo said.

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We will also investigate whether there have been other receipts or gratifications made by the regent or state officials in the Langkat region.

Following initial questioning at a local police station, the arrested individuals were flown to the KPK headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday. The investigation specifically targets alleged bribery concerning projects within the Langkat Regency's Education and Public Works departments.

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This afternoon, one of them, the Langkat regent, was brought to Jakarta for further examination.