Indonesian Regent and Secretary Detained for Alleged Bribery, Evaded Capture

Indonesian authorities have apprehended the Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby, and Regional Secretary Zulkarnain, in connection with an alleged bribery operation. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that both officials were aware of the sting operation conducted on June 29, 2026, and took steps to evade detection.

Achmad Taufik Husein, the Acting Director of Investigation at KPK, stated that the commission received information about individuals assisting the regent, leading to his disappearance. The KPK's field team focused on locating Amby and Zulkarnain to obtain statements. Husein indicated that the KPK is not currently prioritizing the identification of those who may have aided the regent.

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Well, that's also what we're not focusing on. Meaning, it's true there was that information, but the team didn't know about it yet. Our focus is on finding the two people (the regent and the regional secretary) whose statements we need.

Further details emerged regarding Amby's alleged attempts to conceal evidence. He reportedly visited a car dealership to disguise the whereabouts of a vehicle that was allegedly used as part of the bribery transaction. This vehicle was reportedly purchased in 2025 and paid for in installments, with the KPK investigating these financial transactions.

Suhardiman Amby, Zulkarnain, and Ardiles, the Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant (MIC), have been detained by the KPK for an initial 20-day period. Zulkarnain faces additional charges related to alleged bribery concerning the release of Limited Production Forest Areas (HPT), with the KPK investigating potential fund flows to individuals within the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The accused face charges under Indonesia's anti-corruption laws.

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For the regent's efforts, after knowing that a team was monitoring, the regent then took security measures by visiting the showroom. The showroom was asked to remove traces of the car's whereabouts, because the car was actually bought in 2025, paid in installments, and information about the alleged transactions, which the team is investigating, involved several installments, that's what was waited for, and it seems that the regent's team was also monitoring this information.