KPK Uncovers HGB Bribery: Rp300 Million in March, Then Rp106 Billion in September

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that the alleged bribery in the processing of Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB) at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) did not stop with the arrests on September 14. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said there was an indication of a Rp300 million payment around March 2026, allegedly linked to the HGB process on land owned by PT Summarecon Agung Tbk. This finding strengthens the suspicion that the bribery practice had occurred repeatedly before the sting operation in Jabodetabek.

At a press conference at the Merah Putih Building, Jakarta, on Wednesday (16/9), Budi stressed that the Rp106.3 billion in evidence seized was not the first. “We need to convey that regarding the alleged bribery by PT Summarecon to individuals within the Ministry of ATR/BPN, this is suspected not to be the first payment,” he said. He added that the Rp300 million payment in March was also suspected to be related to the HGB process on land managed by the company.

The case highlights the role of Erwin, a private individual described as a confidant of ATR/BPN Minister Nusron Wahid. According to Budi, Erwin acted as a communicator with the Head of the Bogor Regency Land Office I, Sontang Coin Manurung. “Brother ERW, as a confidant or representative of the Minister of ATR/BPN, is a private party. However, from the construction of this case it is captured that brother ERW has access to parties at ATR/BPN, one of whom is brother SON, who is the Head of the Bogor I Land Office,” Budi explained. This statement underscores how informal networks can penetrate the land bureaucracy.

The KPK has named eight suspects in this case. They are Sontang Coin Manurung (Head of the Bogor Regency Land Office I), Fahd El Fouz alias Fahd A Rafiq (Golkar Party politician), Arif Sugiyanto (former Kebumen Regent), Adrianto Pitojo Adhi (President Director of PT Summarecon Agung Tbk), Lampri (Director General of Land and Spatial Control and Enforcement at the Ministry of ATR/BPN), as well as Muhammad Fakhry, Erwin, and Rizal Pahlevi. Arif, Fahd, Erwin, and Muhammad Fakhry are described as confidants of Minister Nusron Wahid.

KPK investigators have confirmed they will trace the flow of money to uncover possible involvement by other parties. “Of course, follow the money will be carried out later. We will follow where the money flows,” Budi stressed. He also stated that his office will delve into the roles of parties functioning as layering or representatives, whether the flow of funds stops with them or flows to other parties.

For the Indonesian public, this case is a test of the government's commitment to cleaning up the land sector, which is often a source of conflict and corruption. The HGB process, which should be transparent and accountable, is instead suspected of being abused for the interests of a few. The impact is not only on the property investment climate but also on public trust in the ATR/BPN institution. If not handled thoroughly, such practices could cause state losses and hinder development.

Going forward, the KPK faces a heavy task in proving the flow of funds and the role of each suspect, including whether Minister Nusron Wahid will be summoned for questioning. The public is waiting to see whether this case will reveal the masterminds behind the repeated bribery, or whether it will stop at the field-level operatives. The big question: how far does this network extend, and will there be systemic reform in land governance?