KPK: Forestry Minister Should Have Reported Alleged Gratification in Kuansing Regent Case

The Corruption Eradification Commission (KPK) believes that the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, should have reported alleged gratifications to the KPK, specifically regarding an envelope left by the Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby.

“Indeed, that should be the awareness of the state official involved,” said the Acting Director of Investigations at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, at the KPK Red and White Building, Jakarta, on Saturday, 4 July 2026.

According to Husein, the obligation to report alleged gratifications is regulated under Law Number 20 of 2001, which amends Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes. He added that state officials should already be aware of their legal obligations.

Previously, the KPK conducted a sting operation (OTT) in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, resulting in the detention of 10 individuals. On 1 July 2026, the KPK named the Regent of Kuantan Singingi, Suhardiman Amby, the Regional Secretary of Kuantan Singingi, Zulkarnain, and the President Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant, Ardiles, as suspects in an alleged bribery case related to the sale and purchase of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government.

In addition to the bribery allegations, the KPK also suspects that Suhardiman received gratifications related to the processing of the release of limited production forest areas.

Responding to the case, Raja Juli explained that during an audience with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026, the Regent left an envelope enclosed in a folder. Raja Juli stated that he only realised the presence of the envelope after Suhardiman had left the room. He subsequently instructed his aide to return the envelope without knowing its contents.

Raja Juli noted 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.