Forestry Minister Raja Juli Reports Gratification Rejection After KPK Sting Operation

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has announced that Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni reported a gratification rejection on Friday (3/7), following an operation that resulted in Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby surrendering himself. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed to journalists in Jakarta on Monday that the minister submitted the report last Friday. When asked if the report was made after a press conference at the Ministry of Forestry building, Budi replied briefly, ‘Friday afternoon.’ He explained that the KPK’s Directorate of Gratification and Public Services would verify and analyse the minister’s report, coordinating internally. The process will refer to KPK Regulation Number 1 of 2026 concerning amendments to KPK Regulation Number 2 of 2019 on gratification reporting. The KPK will subsequently announce whether the report can be followed up. The KPK also reminded all stakeholders that the Agrarian Reform Object Land (TORA) programme is a national priority, and that forest area release permits intended to improve community welfare, particularly for farmers, must not be tarnished by alleged corrupt practices. The KPK had previously conducted a sting operation in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, securing ten individuals. Regent Suhardiman and Regional Secretary Zulkarnain surrendered on 30 June 2026. On 1 July 2026, the KPK named Suhardiman, Zulkarnain, and PT Mitra Ideal Consultant President Director Ardiles as suspects in a bribery case related to the buying and selling of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency government. The KPK also suspects Suhardiman of receiving gratuities related to the management of limited production forest area release permits. After his name was implicated, Minister Raja Juli explained on Friday (3/7) that during an audience with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026, the regent left behind a sealed envelope. The minister said he only realised the envelope was there after Suhardiman had left the room and immediately ordered his aide to return it without knowing its contents. The return was carried out on 12 June 2026 after a scheduling delay, with the envelope handed back to Suhardiman through the aide in Kuantan Singingi Regency.