KPK Probes Rupiah-to-Dollar Exchange for Forestry Minister

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating the exchange of rupiah into 46,500 Singapore dollars, which was allegedly prepared by former Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby for Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated on Wednesday that investigators examined several witnesses on 27 and 28 July 2026 to probe the matter. The witnesses included WS, a director of PT Gemar Mas Jaya, and AH, a director of PT Mas Kirana, both money changer companies based in Pekanbaru, Riau. ‘Investigators sought information from the witnesses regarding the money exchange at the money changer used to provide funds to a party at the Ministry of Forestry,’ Budi said. The KPK also examined a private individual with the initials TKA and a Riau provincial government civil servant, FZ, concerning the currency exchange. FZ was also questioned regarding instructions from Fahdiansyah, an assistant at the Kuantan Singingi regional secretariat. Additionally, the KPK examined Setiang Rasid Amianto, the village head of Setiang, regarding the collection of funds for Suhardiman Amby, which were subsequently given to the Ministry of Forestry. The case stems from a sting operation conducted by the KPK in Kuantan Singingi and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, which resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals. Suhardiman and Regional Secretary Zulkarnain surrendered to the KPK the following day. On 1 July 2026, the KPK named Suhardiman, Zulkarnain, and Ardiles, President Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant, as suspects in a bribery case related to the buying and selling of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency administration from 2021 to 2026. The KPK also suspects Suhardiman of receiving gratuities related to the release of limited production forest areas. Following the emergence of his name in the case, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni explained on 3 July 2026 that during a meeting with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026, the regent left behind a sealed envelope. The minister claimed he only noticed the envelope after Suhardiman had left and ordered his aide to return it without knowing its contents. The envelope was returned to Suhardiman in Kuantan Singingi on 12 June 2026 after a scheduling delay. Raja Juli Antoni reported the gratuity rejection to the KPK on 3 July 2026, but the commission announced on 17 July 2026 that it had rejected his report as it was already investigating the matter.