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

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has stated that Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni should have reported an alleged gratification attempt to the KPK, involving an envelope left behind by Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby. “Yes, that should be the awareness of the state official,” said Acting Director of Investigation at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Saturday, 4 July 2026. According to him, the obligation to report alleged gratification is regulated in Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Amendments to Law Number 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption. “State officials should already be aware of their obligations,” he said. Previously, the KPK conducted a sting operation in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, securing 10 individuals. On 1 July 2026, the KPK named Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby, Kuantan Singingi Regional Secretary 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 gratification related to the release of limited production forest areas. Responding to the case, Raja Juli explained on Thursday, 2 July 2026, that during an audience with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026, the regent left behind a sealed envelope inside a folder. According to Raja Juli, he only realised the envelope was there after Suhardiman had left the room. He then ordered his aide to return the envelope without knowing its contents. Raja Juli said the envelope was returned on 12 June 2026, after a delay due to scheduling issues. The envelope was returned to Suhardiman through his aide in Kuantan Singingi Regency.