KPK Probes Forest Conversion Request in Kuansing, Summons Regional Leaders
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating a request to convert the function of a protected forest in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau, which was submitted to the Ministry of Forestry.
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated in Jakarta on Thursday that the investigation was conducted by examining nine witnesses on 8 July 2026. The witnesses included Kuantan Singingi DPRD Speaker Juprizal, Assistant I of the Kuantan Singingi Regional Secretariat Fahdiansyah, Head of the Plantation and Livestock Service Andri Yama Putra, and Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Service Ade Fahrer Arif.
Also examined were Head of the Regional Secretariat Governance Section Sigit Purnomo, Kuantan Singingi DPRD member Dasver Librian, Secretary of the Regional Disaster Management Agency Marel Hendra, Head of the Regional Secretariat General Affairs Section Deswan Antoni, and Logas Tanah Darat Sub-district Head Syahferi.
“During the examination, investigators also delved into the witnesses’ knowledge regarding the bribery for the regional secretary position auction to the Kuantan Singingi Regent,” Budi said.
Previously, the KPK conducted a sting operation in Kuantan Singingi Regency and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, apprehending 10 individuals. This operation marked the 14th sting operation carried out by the KPK throughout 2026.
Kuantan Singingi Regent 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 Amby, Zulkarnain, and PT Mitra Ideal Consultant President Director Ardiles as suspects in an alleged bribery case related to the buying and selling of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government from 2021 to 2026.
In addition to the bribery allegations, the KPK also suspects Suhardiman of receiving gratuities related to the release of limited production forest areas. After his name was implicated in the case, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni explained on 3 July 2026 that during an audience with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026, the regional head 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 stated that the envelope was returned on 12 June 2026 after a delay due to scheduling conflicts. 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.