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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

KPK Investigates 'Corruption Regeneration' After Langkat Regent Arrest

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Langkat Regent Syah Afandin for alleged bribery related to project procurement.
  • This incident mirrors a similar case in 2022 involving the former Regent, suggesting a pattern of "corruption regeneration" in the region.
  • KPK data indicates ongoing vulnerabilities in Langkat, with its Integrity Assessment Survey score showing only a slight improvement.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has apprehended Syah Afandin, the Regent of Langkat, on suspicion of accepting bribes linked to projects in the Education and Housing and Settlement agencies. The KPK has officially named Afandin a suspect in receiving project fees, highlighting a recurring issue within the Langkat Regency.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo noted that this case reflects a continuation of corrupt practices, reminiscent of the 2022 arrest of former Regent Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin. Perangin Angin was convicted for orchestrating projects within the Public Works and Education departments. Notably, Afandin served as the Acting Regent of Langkat after Perangin Angin's arrest and later won the 2024 election alongside Perangin Angin's wife, securing 55.37% of the vote.

The incident of being caught red-handed this time seems to be a back-to-back practice of corruption, even like a 'regeneration of corrupt actors' in Langkat Regency.

— Budi PrasetyoKPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo commented on the pattern of corruption in Langkat.

Prasetyo described the current arrest as a "back-to-back" occurrence, likening it to a "regeneration of corrupt actors" in Langkat. Records show that in 2021, Perangin Angin was accused of receiving Rp 573 million in bribes from businessmen for work packages. The former regent allegedly conspired with his brother and private individuals acting as intermediaries. The KPK's 2022 operation also uncovered a "human cage" allegedly owned by Perangin Angin, leading to his subsequent arrest on assault and human trafficking charges.

In light of these repeated offenses, the KPK urged future regional leaders in Langkat to uphold public trust and avoid succumbing to corruption. The commission pointed to the region's Integrity Assessment Survey (SPI) scores, which saw only a marginal increase from 66.30 in 2024 to 69.94 in 2025, remaining within a "vulnerable" category. The KPK is investigating allegations that Afandin received project fees from private entities, with details emerging about specific procurement processes involving millions of rupiah.

It is still in the vulnerable category.

— Budi PrasetyoKPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo referred to the Integrity Assessment Survey scores for Langkat Regency.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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