Forestry Minister Details Return of Envelope 17 Days Before Kuantan Singingi Regent's Arrest

Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has asserted his full commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts following news of a sting operation by the Corruption Eradication Commission against the Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Riau. The minister detailed the chronology of his meeting with the regent, stating that the gathering was official and open, initiated by a formal request from the local government and documented with an attendance list and minutes. He explained that after the meeting on 2 June 2026, he realised the regent had left behind a sealed envelope. Without knowing its contents, he immediately instructed his aide to return it, as he felt he had no right to the item. The return was delayed due to scheduling adjustments and was ultimately carried out on 12 June 2026 at the Kuantan Singingi police station, facilitated by the Riau Police Chief. The minister stressed that the envelope was returned 17 days before the KPK operation and that the entire process was documented with a stamped receipt. He also confirmed that no forest release permits had been issued for the Kuantan Singingi area under his authority.