Kapuas Regent and Wife Accused in Corruption to Cover Political Costs

The regent of Kapuas, Ben Brahim S. Bahat and his wife, Ary Egahni, are alleged to have committed corruption to fund their participation in regional head and legislative elections.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Kapuas Regent, Ben Brahim S Bahat, and his wife are members of the DPR for the Nasdem Party faction, Ary Egahni, at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (28/3/2023).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — By the means of cutting the regional budget, the regent of Kapuas, Central Kalimantan, Ben Brahim S. Bahat and his wife, Ary Egahni, are alleged to have committed corruption to fund their participation in regional head and legislative elections, pay for national surveys and finance living needs. It is feared that ahead of the 2024 elections, such practices are prone to be repeated.

In this case, Ben allegedly received kickbacks from the private sector. Meanwhile, Ary who is also a member of the House of Representatives for the NasDem Party allegedly asked for money and luxury goods from several heads of work units in the Kapuas regency administration. It is estimated that the money received by both of them from corruption amounts to Rp 8.7 billion.