Indonesian KPK names Langkat Regent and ex-campaign aide suspects in project bribery case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially named Syah Afandin, the Regent of Langkat, as a suspect in a bribery case involving projects within the Langkat Regency government in North Sumatra. Additionally, a former member of his 2024 election campaign team, identified by the initials YQB, has also been named a suspect as the alleged briber.

The KPK announced the designations during a press conference at the KPK's Red and White Building in Jakarta. The case originated from a previous sting operation conducted by the KPK. "KPK has escalated this case to the investigation stage by naming two individuals as suspects. First, SAF, as the Regent of Langkat for the 2025-2030 period. Then, YQB, as a private party and former campaign team member of SAF in the 2024 election," stated Acting Director of Investigation Achmad Taufik Husein.

Afandin is accused of receiving bribes and faces charges under Article 12 letter a or letter b and/or Article 12B of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption, as amended. YQB, the alleged briber, is charged under Article 605 or Article 606 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Law Adjustments, in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.

Following the suspect designations, the KPK has detained both individuals for an initial 20-day period, from July 3 to July 22, 2026. Syah Afandin is being held at the KPK's detention center in Jakarta, while YQB is temporarily held at the Medan City Police detention center. The KPK confirmed a sting operation on Friday morning that led to Afandin's arrest, along with six other individuals in the Langkat, Binjai, and Medan areas, including a civil servant and five private sector employees. Investigators also seized hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash, believed to be related to bribery for projects in the Langkat Education and Public Housing and Settlement agencies for the 2025-2026 budget year.

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KPK has escalated this case to the investigation stage by naming two individuals as suspects. First, SAF, as the Regent of Langkat for the 2025-2030 period. Then, YQB, as a private party and former campaign team member of SAF in the 2024 election.