KPK Rejects Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni's Gratuity Report on Envelope from Kuansing Regent

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has decided not to follow up on a gratuity report submitted by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni. The report concerned the rejection of an envelope given by the inactive Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby. The decision was conveyed by KPK Deputy for Prevention and Monitoring, Aminudin. “The KPK rejected RJ’s gratuity report,” Aminudin told journalists in Jakarta on Friday (17/7). Aminudin explained that Raja Juli’s report was not processed because the material reported was already linked to a case being handled by the KPK. The anti-corruption body is currently investigating alleged bribery involving Suhardiman Amby. “In KPK Regulation 1/2026 on Gratuity Reporting, it is stated that the KPK rejects a gratuity report if the reported gratuity has already entered the realm of an inspectorate audit, investigation, or inquiry by law enforcement officials,” he clarified. The provision in question refers to Article 14 of KPK Regulation Number 1 of 2026 on Gratuity Reporting. This rule grants the KPK the authority not to follow up on a gratuity report if the object of the report is suspected to be related to a criminal act currently being processed by law enforcement officials. The case originated from a sting operation conducted by the KPK in Kuantan Singingi Regency and Jakarta on 29 June 2026. During the operation, investigators detained 10 individuals. It was the 14th sting operation carried out by the KPK in 2026. A day later, on 30 June 2026, Kuansing Regent Suhardiman Amby and Kuansing Regional Secretary Zulkarnain visited the KPK to surrender. Subsequently, on 1 July 2026, the KPK named Suhardiman Amby, 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. In addition to the bribery allegations, investigators are also probing alleged gratuities received by Suhardiman related to the management of limited production forest area releases. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni’s name came to attention after the case emerged. On 3 July 2026, he explained that Suhardiman Amby had an audience with him on 2 June 2026. During the meeting, Suhardiman allegedly left an envelope inside a closed folder. Raja Juli claimed he only became aware of the envelope after his guest had left the room. He then instructed his aide-de-camp to immediately return the envelope without opening it or knowing its contents. According to Raja Juli, the return of the envelope could only be carried out on 12 June 2026 due to scheduling conflicts. The envelope was eventually returned to Suhardiman via the aide in Kuantan Singingi Regency. As a form of reporting, Raja Juli Antoni also submitted a report of the gratuity rejection to the KPK on 3 July 2026. However, based on the provisions of KPK Regulation Number 1 of 2026, the report was decided not to be processed as it had become part of a case already being handled by the KPK.