KPK alleges BNPB emergency fund misuse dates back to 2022 after sting operation

During a press briefing in Sleman, Yogyakarta, KPK head Setyo Budiyanto indicated that corruption involving the National Disaster Mitigation Agency's emergency response budget likely started around 2022. The commission carried out a covert operation on October 13, 2026, leading to the arrest of 14 people, among them BNPB Secretary-General Rustian, who was not listed as a suspect in the procurement scandal. On October 14, authorities named five individuals as suspects: Bima Setiawan, the younger brother of BNPB chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto and a staff expert; Gabriel Purwaka Sigit, head of the agency's Subdirectorate for Emergency Assistance and Fund Management; Richard Erlangga, another expert staff member; and private-sector actors Syifa Nrika Ghifarin and Gery Prasetiawan.

The alleged scheme is thought to involve diverting funds meant for urgent disaster relief. KPK emphasized that the emergency fund is intended for immediate needs arising from natural disasters. The investigation continues as officials probe the procurement irregularities linked to the agency's budget.