The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered a major corruption case involving road construction projects in North Sumatra following a sting operation (OTT) in Mandailing Natal regency on Friday, June 27, 2025.
Five individuals were named as suspects, namely Topan Obaja Putra Ginting, Head of the North Sumatra Public Works Agency; Rasuli Efendi Siregar, Head of the Gunung Tua Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) and also a Commitment-Making Officer (PPK) of the agency; Heliyanto, Policy-making Officer (PPK) at the National Road Construction Work Unit (PJN) Region I, North Sumatra; M. Akhirun Efendi Siregar, President Director of PT Dalihan Natolu Group (NDG); and M. Rayhan Dulasmi Pilang, Director of PT Rona Na Mora (RN).
According to Asep Guntur Rahayu, KPK’s Acting Director of Enforcement and Execution, the investigation began after public complaints surfaced regarding poor road quality, prompting suspicions of corruption.
“KPK deployed a team to monitor several road projects in North Sumatra around mid-2025,” Asep told a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
KPK uncovered evidence of Rp2 billion (US$123,500) being withdrawn by suspects Akhirun and Rayhan, allegedly intended as bribes to secure project tenders. Surveillance later confirmed a meeting between the two and Topan on Thursday, June 26, 2025 which led investigators to discover two major projects worth a total of Rp231.8 billion under the North Sumatra Public Works Agency and PJN Region I.
Topan allegedly instructed Rasuli to ensure Akhirun won the tender process for a project valued at Rp157.8 billion. Akhirun then had his team coordinate technical matters related to the e-catalog system with Rasuli and other staff. Money was transferred to Rasuli and intermediaries on Topan's behalf, either through direct cash payments or bank transfers.
KPK also suspects Topan was to receive 4–5 percent of the total project value upon completion, as part of a kickback scheme.
In a separate Rp74 billion project under PJN Region I, Rasuli reportedly worked with Akhirun and Rayhan to ensure they won the tender. Rasuli allegedly received Rp120 million for facilitating the e-catalog arrangements. During the sting operation, KPK seized Rp231 million, believed to be leftover bribe payments.
Akhirun and Rayhan are suspected of violating Articles 5(1)(a or b) or Article 13 of the Anti-Corruption Law No. 31/1999, as amended by Law No. 20/2001, in conjunction with Article 55(1) of the Criminal Code. The public officials involved may be charged under Articles 12(a or b), 11, or 12B of the same anti-graft law.
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