KPK Probes Total Sum Returned by Forestry Minister in Graft Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating the amount of money that should have been returned by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni to non-active Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the anti-graft agency conducted the investigation by examining several witnesses on Tuesday (28/7), including the Deputy Head of the Prima Sehati Village Unit Cooperative (KUD) identified as EW, the cooperative’s treasurer JHS, and a member SPR.
“To these witnesses, investigators generally delved into information regarding the provision of a sum of Singapore dollars to the Ministry of Forestry and the return of the money. Investigators are still probing whether the money given has been fully returned,” Budi told journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He added that the KPK has rescheduled the summons for the Head of KUD Prima Sehati, who also serves as the Speaker of the Kuantan Singingi Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Juprizal, along with two private parties identified as HDS and FJR, and Juprizal’s son, RFZ. “These witnesses are believed to have knowledge regarding the return of money from the Ministry of Forestry through the Minister’s aide. Therefore, investigators will reissue the summons,” Budi said.
Previously, the KPK conducted a sting operation in Kuantan Singingi Regency and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, securing 10 individuals. The operation was the 14th carried out by the KPK in 2026. Suhardiman and Kuantan Singingi Regional Secretary Zulkarnain subsequently surrendered to the KPK on 30 June 2026.
On 1 July 2026, the KPK named Suhardiman, Zulkarnain, and the President Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant, Ardiles, as suspects in a bribery case related to the buying and selling of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government during the 2021-2026 period. The KPK also suspects Suhardiman of receiving gratuities related to the management of the release of limited production forest areas.
After his name was implicated in the case, the Forestry Minister explained on 3 July 2026 that during a meeting with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026, the regent left behind a sealed envelope. Raja Juli stated that 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. The minister said the return of the envelope was carried out on 12 June 2026 after a delay due to scheduling conflicts. The envelope was returned to Suhardiman through his aide in Kuansing Regency. On 3 July 2026, Raja Juli also reported the gratuity rejection to the KPK. However, on 17 July 2026, the KPK announced it had rejected Raja Juli’s report as the agency was already investigating the matter.