Bupati Langkat Syah Afandin detained in anti‑corruption operation

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) carried out a sting operation (OTT) on 3 July 2026 in Langkat, North Sumatra, detaining Regent Syah Afandin together with six others – an ASN and five private individuals. The operation targeted alleged project‑fee bribery linked to the district’s Education and Housing & Settlement offices. KPK alleges Afandin received a cash fee of about Rp 800 million and additional gratifications estimated at Rp 3.5 billion. The private party identified, Yaqub Abdhal Al Mu'arif, allegedly secured 85 projects worth roughly Rp 10.2 billion and paid the fees in installments, some of which were seized by investigators, including cash found under a car seat. After the arrest, Afandin was escorted to Jakarta for further questioning; KPK has 24 hours to decide his legal status. He was later formally named a suspect in the case. The scandal has prompted political reactions, with the National Amanat Party (PAN) refusing to provide legal aid, citing personal responsibility. The case adds to a series of high‑profile KPK operations against regional officials this year.