KPK Probes Link Between Forestry Minister's Envelope and Forest Release Bribery Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is currently investigating the giving of an envelope to Forestry Minister Raja Juli and its connection to a bribery case involving the release of limited production forest areas that has ensnared inactive Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby. Suhardiman is known to have given the envelope to the minister after an audience some time ago.
“Yes, so on the prevention side, the gratification report made by the Forestry Minister is already case closed. Meanwhile, on the enforcement side, the connection will continue to be investigated,” explained KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Thursday.
Budi explained that in the case ensnaring the inactive Kuansing Regent, Suhardiman collected money from various parties, including farmers, and gave the money to the minister. “So, this is certainly being investigated regarding the intent, purpose, whose initiative it was, and what the motive was,” said Budi.
Nevertheless, the KPK has not yet summoned Forestry Minister Raja Juli to provide testimony in the investigation of the case. “We will continue to update because the investigation is still progressing,” Budi added.
From the KPK’s sting operation in Kuantan Singingi Regency and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, ten people were arrested. Then, on 30 June 2026, Kuansing Regent Suhardiman Amby and Kuansing Regional Secretary Zulkarnain surrendered themselves to the KPK. On 1 July 2026, the KPK named Suhardiman Amby, Zulkarnain, and the President Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant, Ardiles, as suspects for alleged bribery related to the buying and selling of positions within the Kuansing Regency Government during 2021-2026. The KPK also suspects Suhardiman of receiving gratuities related to the processing of the release of limited production forest areas. On 3 July 2026, the Forestry Minister reported the envelope left by Suhardiman to the KPK. According to a statement from the minister, he only realised the envelope was there after Suhardiman had left the room. He then asked his aide to return it.