KPK Seizes Rp 3.3 Billion, Cryptocurrency Assets, and Gold from Two Experts of BNPB Head
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confiscated Rp 3.3 billion in cash, cryptocurrency assets, and hundreds of grams of gold during a sting operation targeting two experts working with the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday (13/10/2026), targeted Bima Setiawan and Richard Erlangga, both serving as advisors to BNPB Head Suharyanto. The confiscated amount significantly exceeded initial estimates of Rp 1.4 billion.
"Based on reports I received from investigators, the amount is not Rp 1.4 billion anymore, but approximately Rp 3.3 billion, according to several sources," said KPK Deputy Chair Setyo Budiyanto in Yogyakarta on Wednesday (14/10/2026).
The independent anti-corruption agency, established in 2003 with an annual budget of Rp 878.04 billion for 2026, employed its standard Operasi Tangkap Tangan (OTT) procedure to catch the suspects red-handed. This enforcement method involves surveillance, wiretaps, and financial records analysis, with suspects detained and interrogated within 24 hours under Indonesia's Criminal Procedure Code.
Family Connection to Agency Leadership
The case has drawn particular attention due to the family relationship between one suspect and the agency's leadership. Bima Setiawan is the brother of BNPB Head Suharyanto, who was appointed to his position on November 17, 2021, by President Joko Widodo through Presidential Decree No. 140/P/2021, replacing Lieutenant General Ganip Warsito.
"Yes, that information has been received," Setyo Budiyanto confirmed when asked about the relationship. "We do not consider who he is. The subject being held accountable is the one who committed or is suspected of committing unlawful acts."
BNPB, established on January 26, 2008, by Presidential Regulation No. 8 of 2008, replaced the National Coordinating Board for Disaster Management and reports directly to the President of Indonesia. The agency had a total budget allocation of Rp 5.7 trillion for 2026, with approximately Rp 950 billion designated as ready-to-use disaster response funds (Dana Siap Pakai) as of September 2026.
Investigation into Emergency Disaster Funds
The alleged corruption involves Dana Siap Pakai, emergency disaster funding allocated by the Indonesian government under Law No. 24 of 2007 on Disaster Management. These on-call funds are designed with high flexibility to enable rapid disaster response without lengthy bureaucratic procedures during officially declared disaster emergencies.
In addition to the substantial cash seizure, KPK investigators confiscated cryptocurrency assets from the two individuals. The agency is currently investigating the ownership of these digital assets.
"We will ensure who owns them, so there is no confusion or bias regarding the ownership status of the cryptocurrency," Setyo stated.
Investigators also seized hundreds of grams of gold during the operation.
"The precious metals amount to hundreds of grams as well," he added.
Five Suspects Named in Broader Investigation
Beyond Bima Setiawan and Richard Erlangga, the KPK has named three additional suspects in the case. These include Gabriel Purwaka Sigit (GPS), who serves as Head of BNPB's Subdirectorate for Aid Management and Emergency Response and holds the position of Pejabat Pembuat Komitmen (PPK), along with two private individuals identified as Gery P and Syifa NG.
All five suspects exited the KPK building wearing detainee vests on Wednesday (14/10/2026), a standard procedure following formal detention.
This operation represents the 22nd sting operation conducted by the KPK throughout 2026, occurring just three weeks after the commission arrested the Regent of Bolaang Mongondow Utara for infrastructure project corruption. In that previous operation on September 14, 2026, the KPK arrested 17 individuals including high-ranking Ministry of Agrarian Affairs officials and seized cash amounting to hundreds of billions of rupiah packed in approximately 20 suitcases.
The pattern of enforcement activity demonstrates the KPK's continued aggressive pursuit of corruption cases across Indonesian government agencies, with particular focus on large-scale financial irregularities involving public funds.
