KPK Explains Why Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Has Not Yet Been Summoned

The Corruption Eradasting Commission (KPK) has spoken out regarding the absence of a summons for the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, in relation to an alleged corruption case in Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing).

KPK Acting Director of Investigation, Ahmad Taufik Husein, stated that summoning individuals is a necessity of the investigation process rather than a matter of courage. “Our measure in conducting law enforcement investigations is not about being brave or not,” Taufik said on Friday, 31 July 2026.

Taufik revealed that summoning witnesses is not merely a response to challenges to examine higher-ranking officials, but is based on the depth of investigation required by investigators. “We are not here to be challenged in such a manner; rather, we are strictly following the due process of law. It is purely a matter of the sufficiency of evidence,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Taufik emphasised that the investigation into the alleged bribery within the Kuantan Singingi Regency is ongoing, and several witnesses have already been questioned. This includes efforts to conduct searches to strengthen evidence. “The investigation is still proceeding, and the team’s latest update is that they are still verifying the amounts of money collected in the KUD (Village Unit Cooperatives) and identifying evidence obtained from searches,” he asserted.

It is known that in addition to the case of bribery regarding official positions, the KPK also suspects bribery involving the Regent regarding the release of limited production forest areas in Kuantan Singingi. The bribe money was allegedly collected from Village Unit Cooperatives (KUD). “The meetings discussed matters related to forest land-use conversion and the use of Social Forestry,” said Budi.

Investigators also suspect that the inactive Regent of Kuansing, Suhardiman, received gratifications related to the processing of the release of limited production forest areas (HPT). This allegation led to the reported delivery of an envelope from Suhardiman to the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli, valued at SGD 12,000. However, Raja Juli has submitted a report rejecting the gratification on Friday, 3 July 2026. The return was made after Raja Juli allegedly received the envelope from the Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Suhardiman Amby, prior to the KPK’s recent sting operation (OTT).