Langkat Regent Arrested by KPK; Governor Had Joked About His Nickname

Langkat Regent Syah Afandin, known as "Ondim," has been arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in North Sumatra on suspicion of accepting bribes related to projects in the Langkat Education and Public Housing and Settlements agencies. The arrest, which occurred on Thursday, July 2, also led to the detention of at least six other individuals who have been brought to KPK headquarters in Jakarta for further investigation.

This anti-corruption operation took place just weeks after Afandin's nickname became the subject of a jest by North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution. During the inauguration of the North Sumatra chapter of the National Mandate Party (PAN) on June 14, Nasution playfully asked the meaning of "Ondim." He then humorously explained it as "Ongkos Di Muka," or "Cost Upfront," eliciting laughter from the attendees. Nasution also quipped about whether this "cost upfront" practice applied to the selection of regional party leaders.

At the June event, Afandin was officially installed as the Chairman of PAN North Sumatra, with Dedy Irawan as Secretary and Mora Harahap as Treasurer. The inauguration also saw the appointment of numerous district and city PAN officials across North Sumatra. Nasution, who is also President Joko Widodo's son-in-law, concluded his remarks by praising the scale of the PAN event, suggesting it was grander than previous gatherings.

Following the arrest, the central board of PAN has suspended Afandin from his position as Chairman of PAN North Sumatra. As of now, there has been no official statement from the North Sumatra Provincial Government regarding the administration of Langkat following its regent's arrest.