Forestry Minister Admits Bupati Kuansing Left Envelope, KPK Opens Possibility of Summons

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has responded to the admission by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni that an envelope was left behind by Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby, stating that the information will enrich the investigation. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told journalists on Friday (3/7/2026) that the agency is open to requesting statements from parties who can clarify the matter. This follows the KPK’s discovery of alleged money collection by the regent from several Village Unit Cooperatives (KUD) in the Kuansing area. The anti-graft body is also investigating whether the envelope was related to the process of releasing limited production forest areas (HPT).

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni had earlier clarified that the meeting with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026 was an open audience. He explained that after the regent departed, an envelope was found and he immediately instructed his aide to return it. The return was facilitated by the Riau Regional Police Chief and took place at the Kuansing Police Station on 12 June, 17 days before the regent was caught in a sting operation (OTT). The Minister stated he had documented the return with a receipt and photographs, which he is prepared to submit to investigators.

Suhardiman Amby was arrested by the KPK in connection with two separate cases. The first involves alleged bribery related to the appointment of the Kuansing Regional Secretary, in which Zulkarnain, the appointed secretary, and Ardiles, a director of PT MIC, have also been named as suspects. The second case involves alleged gratuities linked to the release of limited production forest areas, which the KPK is now investigating further in light of the Minister’s statement.