Forestry Minister Raja Juli Reports Gratification Rejection After KPK Sting Operation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has announced that Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni reported the rejection of gratification on Friday (3/7), following the anti-corruption agency’s sting operation that led to the surrender of the Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby.
“On Friday (3/7) last week, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli submitted a report regarding the rejection of gratification to the KPK,” stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists in Jakarta on Monday.
Budi subsequently addressed journalist inquiries regarding whether the Minister’s report was made on Friday (3/7) following a press conference at the Ministry of Forestry building.
“Friday afternoon,” he replied briefly.
Meanwhile, he explained that the KPK’s Directorate of Gratification and Public Services will verify and analyse the Minister’s report and coordinate internally within the KPK.
According to him, the process and mechanism will refer to KPK Regulation Number 1 of 2026 regarding the Amendment to KPK Regulation Number 2 of 2019 concerning Gratification Reporting.
“Subsequently, the KPK will announce the results, whether the report can be followed up or not,” said Budi.
On the other hand, he stated that the KPK reminds all relevant stakeholders that the Agrarian Reform Object Land (TORA) programme is one of the national priority programmes.
“Therefore, the permits for the release of forest areas, which aim to improve public welfare, particularly for farmers, must not be compromised by alleged corrupt practices,” he said.
Previously, the KPK conducted a sting operation (OTT) in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, detaining 10 individuals. This operation marked the 14th sting operation conducted by the KPK throughout 2026.
Suhardiman and the Regional Secretary of Kuansing, Zulkarnain, surrendered themselves on 30 June 2026.
On 1 July 2026, the KPK named Suhardiman, Zulkarnain, and the President Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant, Ardiles, as suspects in an alleged bribery case related to the sale and purchase of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government.
In addition to the bribery allegations, the KPK also suspects Suhardiman received gratification related to the processing of the release of limited production forest areas.
After his name was implicated in the case, Raja Juli explained on Friday (3/7) that during an audience with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026, the regional head left behind an envelope enclosed in a folder.
According to Raja Juli, he only realised the existence of the envelope after Suhardiman had left the room. He then instructed his aide to return the envelope without knowing its contents.
Raja Juli stated that the return of the envelope was carried out on 12 June 2026, after being previously delayed due to scheduling constraints. The envelope was returned to Suhardiman via his aide in Kuantan Singingi Regency.