Indonesia's KPK arrests Kuantan Singingi regent and secretary in alleged bribery scheme

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted its 14th operation‑tang‑hand (OTT) on 29‑30 June 2026 in Kuantan Singingi, Riau. Ten people were detained, five of whom were taken to the KPK headquarters in Jakarta for intensive questioning. The agency named Bupati Suhardiman Amby, Sekretaris Daerah Zulkarnain, and PT Mitra Ideal Consultant director Ardiles as suspects in a case involving the sale of a government post.

Investigators allege that the officials received luxury vehicles as payment – a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in 2021 and a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR‑S in 2025 – in exchange for appointing Zulkarnain as Sekda. KPK seized one of the cars and electronic transaction records as evidence.

After the operation, the regent and secretary were initially missing. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo urged them to cooperate, noting that “the testimony of the regent and the secretary is needed for the investigation.” Suhardiman later appeared at the KPK office, saying, “Makasih, mohon dukungannya, doa ya. Kita asas praduga tak bersalah.” Both officials surrendered on 1 July 2026 and were taken to Jakarta for further interrogation. A press conference scheduled for 1 July was set to disclose the case’s construction and the seized assets.