OTT Regent of Rejang Lebong, KPK 'Chase' with Suspects in Gang and Lost Track

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that there was a chase when arresting the Head of the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Residential Area (PUPRPKP) Rejang Lebong Hary Eko Purnomo (HEP) in a hand-in-hand operation (OTT) on Monday, March 9.

KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said this pursuit was carried out after the team in the field followed Hary who was riding a motorcycle by Gozali (SAG) as an ASN at the PUPRPKP Office. He was then suspected of carrying a black-colored bag containing bribe money.

"Well, this team continues to follow because it is suspected that this HEP carries a backpack containing money, which is suspected to be part of the bribe for the ijon project in the case in question," said Budi in a press conference at the KPK Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Wednesday, March 11.

"These parties then entered several small streets or alleys and the team also lost track, yes," continued Budi.

Even so, the team later managed to find Hary who had changed to ride in a car. He was arrested along with a number of parties during a joint fasting event.

"When securing the PUPRPKP Secretary, the team also secured money amounting to Rp. 310 million," said Budi.

Meanwhile, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK Asep Guntur Rahayu said that many people helped in the arrest of Hary. "With the help of the community, we can also be told when he enters the gang," he said at the same press conference.

"'Oh change the car sir, this car'. We're looking for it again," he continued, recalling the moment.

As previously reported, the KPK named five suspects after carrying out a hand-in-hand operation (OTT) in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu on Monday, March 9. They are Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari; Head of the Rejang Lebong Regency PUPRPKP Hary Eko Purnomo; Irsyad Satria Budiman from PT Statika Mitra Sarana; Edi Manggala from CV Manggala Utama; and Youki Yudiantoro from CV Alpagker Abadi.

In this case, the Regent of Rejang Lebong Muhammad Fikri Thobari as a suspect allegedly received a bribe for a project in the Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Residential Area (PUPRPKP) for Eid needs.

Fikri Thobari together with Harry as the recipient of the bribe is suspected of violating Article 12 letter a or letter b and/or 12 B of Law No. 31/1999 jo. Law No. 20/2001 concerning the eradication of corruption.

Meanwhile, as the giver, Irsyad, Edi, and Youki are suspected of violating Article 12 letter a or letter b and/or 12 B of Law No. 31/1999 jo. Law No. 20/2001 concerning the eradication of corruption. Article 20 letter c of Law No. 1/2023 concerning the Criminal Code.