Forestry Minister pledges full support for corruption eradication in Indonesia
The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, has expressed full support for all anti-corruption efforts in the Republic of Indonesia. This comes in response to allegations regarding his potential involvement in the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) sting operation against the Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Riau, Suhardiman Amby, on 2 June 2026, who is now a suspect in a regional secretary position bribery case.
Following deeper investigations, the KPK has also identified potential involvement in a gratification case related to the processing of the release of Limited Production Forest (HPT) areas.
“Regarding the case of the Regent of Kuansing, who was caught in a sting operation due to the buying and selling of positions, the KPK’s deep investigation also involves the release of (forest) areas in Kuansing. Therefore, I wish to respond to the public. As the Ministry of Forestry, and especially as the Minister, I fully support all efforts to eradicate corruption in this republic. We will assist the KPK and will be cooperative,” he stated during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.
He emphasised his ongoing commitment and good faith in assisting the law enforcement and anti-corruption process, noting that he was personally raised in the tradition of community organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and politics that are anti-corruption and anti-bribery.
“I am also blessed with a family that is very anti to all forms of corruption. For that reason, once again, today I commit to good faith and being cooperative with the KPK to uncover everything that has happened thoroughly,” he said.
Raja Juli continued that the good faith to fight corruption is also a primary mandate from President Prabowo Subianto, particularly regarding his role as Minister of Forestry to create anti-corruption forestry governance.
“As a minister, I am entrusted to create forestry governance that is anti-corruption, anti-bribery, accountable, and transparent. Once again, what the KPK is doing, we appreciate, we assist, and we are cooperative, because this is part of our self-improvement if there are indeed problems,” he added.
Previously, the KPK has been investigating the role of the Ministry of Forestry in the alleged gratification case related to the processing of the release of Limited Production Forest (HPT) areas involving the Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Suhardiman Amby.
The Acting Director of Investigations at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, stated at the KPK Red and White Building in Jakarta on Wednesday (1/7) that the investigation is being conducted because the authority to release HPT areas lies with the Ministry of Forestry, whereas regional heads only provide recommendations.
“Regional heads only provide recommendations because the local government is aware of the spatial planning and location. Subsequently, the approval or rejection becomes the authority of the Ministry of Forestry,” he said.
Taufik added that investigators are also examining a meeting between Suhardiman Amby and Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni on 2 June 2026 as part of the investigation process.