Forestry Minister Ready to Coordinate with KPK in Kuansing Bupati Corruption Probe

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has affirmed his commitment to supporting the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in eradicating corruption. The statement was made in connection with the development of a sting operation case against Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Bupati Suhardiman Amby, which has been linked to the release of forest areas during the investigation.

“We from the Ministry of Forestry, especially I as the Minister of Forestry, fully support all efforts to eradicate corruption in this republic. So we will assist the KPK, as my goodwill to help the law enforcement process and corruption eradication,” Raja Juli said in a written statement on Friday (3/7).

Raja Juli stated that he is mandated to create transparent and bribery-free forest governance. He said he will assist the KPK in eradicating corruption, particularly within the forestry sector. “I am mandated by the President to create forest governance that is anti-corruption, anti-bribery, accountable, and transparent. And once again, we appreciate what the KPK is doing. We will help the KPK because this is part of the reform process within the Ministry of Forestry if there is indeed a problem there,” he said.

Raja Juli also assured that the Ministry of Forestry is open to the entire investigation process conducted by the KPK. He stated his readiness to assist, whether with documents or testimony, if required by the KPK. “Therefore, I appreciate it, and at the same time, we will be cooperative from the ministry, myself, all staff. If documents are needed, if we are required to be summoned, I am summoned, God willing, we will comply because this is in the context of eradicating corruption and improving our forestry sector,” he said.

The KPK previously stated it would investigate a meeting between Kuansing Bupati for the 2025-2030 period, Suhardiman Amby, and Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni on 2 June 2026. The audience meeting discussed various proposals submitted by the Kuansing Regency Government regarding the resolution of forest area issues that intersect with community land.

The KPK had earlier named Suhardiman as a suspect in a case of alleged bribery and/or gratification related to the release of Limited Production Forest (HPT) areas. The case was uncovered by the anti-corruption agency through a sting operation conducted on 29 June 2026.