Forestry Minister Raja Juli Admits Receiving, Then Returning, Envelope from Kuansing Regent; KPK Calls It 'Enriching Information'

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has stated that the admission by Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni regarding an envelope he received from the Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby, will serve as enriching information for their investigation. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that the statement would help investigators determine whether the money in the envelope was related to the process of releasing forest areas. He noted that the anti-graft body had previously received initial information about the regent collecting funds from several village unit cooperatives (KUD) in the Kuansing area. Consequently, investigators are open to requesting further statements from parties who can clarify the matter.

Minister Raja Juli Antoni had earlier provided a detailed explanation regarding his meeting with the Kuansing Regent after his name was linked to news following a KPK sting operation. He outlined the chronology of the audience with Suhardiman, the process of returning an envelope that was left behind after the meeting, and firmly asserted that he had never issued a decision on forest area release in Kuansing Regency. The minister stressed that his decision to speak publicly was a moral responsibility and a demonstration of the Ministry of Forestry’s commitment to supporting the eradication of corruption.

Raja Juli reiterated his full support for the KPK’s efforts, stating that his proactive clarification was an act of good faith to assist the legal process. He affirmed that this commitment aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s mandate to establish clean, transparent, and accountable forest governance, free from corruption and bribery. The minister expressed his appreciation for the KPK’s work and pledged the ministry’s readiness to cooperate as part of its internal reform efforts should any violations be uncovered.