KPK Arrests 14 in Corruption Sting at Indonesia's Disaster Agency: BNPB

On October 13, 2026, Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a significant operation, apprehending 14 individuals, including Dr. apt. Rustian, the Sekretaris Utama (Sestama) of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), during a raid related to alleged corruption in procurement processes. The operation, known as an operasi tangkap tangan (OTT), resulted in the seizure of approximately Rp 1.4 billion in cash, along with various gold bars and savings.

According to KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo, the investigation is focused on procurement activities within BNPB, particularly those involving emergency funds allocated for disaster response. Budi said the investigation is suspected to be related to the procurement of goods and services at BNPB, including those using standby funds for disaster management.

“BNPB respects the legal processes being conducted by the KPK and upholds the presumption of innocence.”Berton Padjaitan, BNPB Spokesperson

The KPK has not yet disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the procurement or the types of disasters involved. Budi indicated that further information would be provided in a forthcoming press conference, including which laws may be applied in this case.

“The investigation is suspected to be related to the procurement of goods and services at BNPB, including those using standby funds for disaster management.”Budi Prasetyo, KPK Spokesperson

BNPB has publicly expressed its commitment to cooperating with the KPK, emphasizing the principle of presumption of innocence. BNPB spokesperson Berton Padjaitan said that BNPB respects the legal processes being conducted by the KPK and upholds the presumption of innocence. He also assured that the agency would continue its disaster management operations during the legal proceedings and that it would provide the necessary data and access to information as required by law.

This operation marks the KPK's 22nd sting operation of 2026. The KPK is expected to hold a higher-level meeting to determine the legal status of those apprehended and to discuss the next steps in the investigation.