KPK analyses receipt and return of money for Forestry Minister
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is analysing the process of receiving and subsequently returning funds contained in an envelope provided by the inactive Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby, to the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni.
“This is also material being analysed, from the process of receipt on 2 June, to the return on 12 June,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK Red and White Building, Jakarta, on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Budi stated that the KPK is analysing Raja Juli’s steps in reporting the rejection of said gratification. “The timing is also a subject of in-depth investigation by the prevention team,” he added.
He noted that the KPK’s Deputy for Prevention and Monitoring will coordinate with the Deputy for Enforcement and Execution regarding the actions taken by Raja Juli. “The reason the prevention team needs to coordinate with enforcement is that, under Article 14 of Perkom 1/2026, there is substance regarding whether the reported matter is linked to an ongoing case. This is a key consideration for the prevention team’s analysis,” he explained.
Perkom 1/2026 refers to KPK Regulation Number 1 of 2026, which amends KPK Regulation Number 2 of 2019 regarding Gratification Reporting. Article 14 of this regulation stipulates that gratification reports may not be followed up by the KPK if there are ongoing investigations, probes, or prosecutions by law enforcement agencies, or if the matter is suspected to be related to a criminal offence.
“If we look more closely at the regulation, there are rules regarding whether a report on the rejection of gratification can be processed or not. We will examine the elements within the material of the gratification rejection report,” said Budi.
Previously, the KPK conducted a sting operation (OTT) in Kuantan Singingi Regency and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, detaining 10 individuals. This marked the 14th sting operation conducted by the KPK throughout 2026.
Suhardiman Amby and the Regional Secretary of Kuansing, Zulkarnain, subsequently surrendered to the KPK 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 involving the sale and purchase of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government.
In addition to the bribery allegations, the KPK suspects Suhardiman received gratifications related to the processing of the release of limited production forest areas.
Following his involvement in the case, Forestry Minister Raja Juli explained on 3 July 2026 that during an audience with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026, the regional leader left an envelope inside a closed folder. According to Raja Juli, he only realised the envelope was there 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 took place on 12 June 2026, after being delayed due to scheduling conflicts. The envelope was returned to Suhardiman via his aide in Kuantan Singingi Regency. On 3 July 2026, Raja Juli also officially reported the rejection of the gratification to the KPK.