Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – The regent of East Kolaka in Southeast Sulawesi, Abdul Azis, was arrested on Thursday night on corruption charges, shortly after returning from the National Democratic Party (Nasdem) congress in Makassar.
Abdul was first questioned at the South Sulawesi Police headquarters before being flown to Jakarta, where he will be held at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detention facility on Friday.
"He was arrested shortly after the Nasdem national congress last night. We expect him to arrive in Jakarta at 3 p.m. today," KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto told reporters.
According to the KPK, Abdul is accused of misusing state funds allocated for the construction and renovation of hospitals in East Kolaka. The total value of the projects has not yet been disclosed.
Abdul, 38, is a former police officer who later entered politics. His official wealth declaration lists assets worth around Rp 7 billion ($429,700).
During separate operations in Sulawesi on Thursday, the KPK also detained several other individuals, though their identities have not been revealed.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said further details about the arrests will be announced during a press conference in Jakarta once all suspects have arrived at the commission's headquarters.