Jakarta. Central Lampung Regent Ardito Wijaya was formally named a corruption suspect on Thursday for allegedly receiving at least Rp 5.7 billion ($34,000) in bribes from vendors awarded local government projects.

Ardito and four other suspects were arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Wednesday and immediately transported to Jakarta for questioning. One of the suspects is his younger brother, Ranu Prasetyo.

According to Mungki Hadipratikto, KPK Deputy for Enforcement, Ardito is accused of manipulating tender processes to ensure that contracts were won by companies tied to his family or to members of his political campaign team during his regent election.

“The vendors that had to be selected were companies owned by his family or people involved in his campaign,” Mungki said during a press briefing in Jakarta.

Ardito allegedly imposed a 15–20 percent fee on the value of every project handled in Central Lampung. Between February and November 2025, he is believed to have collected Rp 5.25 billion in kickbacks routed through his brother Ranu.

In addition, Ardito allegedly received Rp 500 million from a medical equipment procurement project at the Central Lampung Health Office.

“The total funds received by AW amount to around Rp 5.75 billion. The money was allegedly used to pay off bank loans taken during his 2024 campaign,” Mungki said.

The other suspects include Central Lampung legislator Riki Hendra Saputra, Central Lampung Revenue Agency head Anton Wibowo, and Mohamad Lukman Sjamsuri, director of PT Elkaka Mandiri.

The investigation is ongoing as the KPK examines financial flows and potential additional beneficiaries of the scheme.

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