Indonesia's KPK charges Langkat regent with multi‑million rupiah bribes

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has accused Syah Afandin, the regent (bupati) of Langkat in North Sumatra, of receiving large bribes. KPK investigators say he obtained about Rp800 million from a Rp1.1 billion project‑fund scheme that involved education and housing contracts, with a further Rp300 million expected.

Separately, KPK alleges the regent also took roughly Rp3.5 billion in gratification tied to the sale of school‑principal positions, school uniform contracts and appointments to district‑level posts. “When school principal positions are traded, not only government administration but also children’s education is at stake,” said senior investigator Achmad Taufik Husein.

KPK carried out a hand‑caught operation on 2 July 2026 in Langkat, Binjai and Medan, arresting the regent and five private individuals. The following day the regent and a former campaign aide were formally named suspects in the bribery case.