Langkat Regent Accused of Receiving Rp800 Million in Bribes

Langkat Regent Syah Afandin has been accused by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) of receiving bribes totaling Rp800 million from a private individual linked to project procurements in the Langkat regional government. The KPK stated that the money was received between 2025 and April 2026.

According to the KPK's Acting Director of Investigation, Achmad Taufik Husein, the suspect, identified as Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu'arif (YQB), a private party and part of Afandin's campaign team in the 2024 regional elections, provided the funds. The bribes were allegedly disbursed in several installments. An initial Rp500 million was reportedly given in 2025 via Afandin's driver, Zulkifli. Subsequent payments of Rp150 million each were made in May 2025 and April 2026, with the latter also reportedly delivered through his driver.

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Up to April 5, 2026, YQB had given money to SAF totaling Rp800 million.

Further complicating the case, Afandin allegedly requested an additional Rp300 million as a commitment fee in late June 2026. However, YQB reportedly stated he could only provide Rp100 million. The KPK's investigation began in 2025 when YQB allegedly secured project packages in the Langkat Education and Public Housing agencies through direct procurement. These projects were valued at Rp9.5 billion for the Education agency and Rp748 million for the Public Housing agency.

Afandin reportedly demanded a 10% fee for Education projects and 17% for Public Housing projects, with agreed-upon fees totaling Rp990 million and Rp126.8 million respectively. Beyond project kickbacks, the KPK is also investigating alleged illicit receipts amounting to Rp3.5 billion related to official appointments, school principal selections, and the procurement of school uniforms.

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In late June 2026, SAF again asked YQB for Rp300 million as part of the commitment fee. However, on July 1, 2026, YQB stated he could only fulfill the request with Rp100 million.