KPK analyses receipt and return of money for Forestry Minister

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is analysing the process of receiving and returning money in an envelope given by the non-active Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Suhardiman Amby, to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni. “That is also material being analysed, from the receipt process on 2 June, then returned on 12 June,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Tuesday. In addition, Budi said the KPK is analysing Raja Juli’s steps in reporting the gratuity rejection. “The timing is also material for in-depth study by the prevention team,” he said. He also stated that the KPK’s Deputy for Prevention and Monitoring will coordinate with the Deputy for Enforcement and Execution regarding the steps taken by Raja Juli. “Why do our colleagues in prevention need to coordinate with enforcement? Because if we look at Article 14 of Perkom 1/2026, there is substance related to whether what is reported is connected to a case. That is certainly also material or substance for consideration by colleagues in prevention when conducting the analysis,” he said. Perkom 1/2026 is KPK Regulation Number 1 of 2026 concerning Amendments to KPK Regulation Number 2 of 2019 concerning Gratuity Reporting. Article 14 of the regulation stipulates that a gratuity report may not be followed up by the KPK if there is an investigation, inquiry, or prosecution by law enforcement officials, or if it is suspected of being related to a criminal act. “If we look in more detail at the regulation, there are several rules on whether a gratuity rejection report can be followed up or cannot be followed up. Yes, we will later look at the elements in the material of the gratuity rejection report,” said Budi. Previously, the KPK conducted a sting operation in Kuantan Singingi Regency and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, securing 10 individuals. The operation was the 14th sting operation carried out by the KPK throughout 2026. Suhardiman Amby and Kuantan Singingi Regional Secretary Zulkarnain subsequently surrendered to the KPK on 30 June 2026. On 1 July 2026, the KPK named Suhardiman, Zulkarnain, and President Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant Ardiles as suspects in an alleged bribery case related to the buying and selling of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government. In addition to the alleged bribery, the KPK also suspects Suhardiman received gratuities related to the management of the release of limited production forest areas. After his name was implicated in the case, Forestry Minister Raja Juli on 3 July 2026 explained that when receiving 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 envelope’s presence after Suhardiman had left the room. He then ordered his aide-de-camp to return the envelope without knowing its contents. Raja Juli said the envelope was returned on 12 June 2026 after a previous delay due to scheduling constraints. The envelope was returned to Suhardiman through his aide in Kuantan Singingi Regency. On 3 July 2026, Raja Juli also reported the gratuity rejection to the KPK.