Riau Governor Abdul Wahid to Face Trial in Extortion Case
Jakarta – Former Riau Governor Abdul Wahid will stand trial following the completion of the investigation into allegations of extortion against his subordinates within the Riau Provincial Government’s Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR-PKPP). The case was declared complete on Monday, March 2, 2026 and has been transferred to the prosecution stage, according to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
“Today, Monday (2/3), the investigation into the alleged criminal act of corruption related to extortion within the Riau Provincial Government has been declared complete or P21, and has progressed to the prosecution stage,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated to journalists.
Investigators have handed over evidence and three suspects to the public prosecutors, who have already begun preparing the indictment. The case files will be transferred to the Corruption Crime Court (Tipikor) for trial within 14 working days.
Investigation Stemmed from Sting Operation
The case originated from a sting operation (OTT) conducted by the KPK in early November 2025, which implicated Governor Abdul Wahid in allegedly requesting fees from his subordinates at the Riau PUPR Service UPT.
Suspects Named in the Case
The KPK has named three individuals as suspects in connection with the extortion case:
- Abdul Wahid, former Governor of Riau
- Muhammad Arief Setiawan, Head of the PUPR-PKPP Service
- Dani M Nursalam, Expert Staff for the Governor of Riau
Allegations of ‘Preman Quota’
The KPK alleges that Abdul Wahid threatened his subordinates with repercussions if they failed to deposit funds, referred to as a ‘preman quota,’ totaling IDR 7 billion. These deposits were allegedly made in June, August, and November 2025.
Abdul Wahid, born November 21, 1980, previously served as a member of the House of Representatives representing Riau’s 2nd electoral district from 2019 to 2024, and as a member of the Riau Regional House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019. He assumed office as the 15th governor of Riau in February 2025, representing the National Awakening Party (PKB). [Source]