KPK Responds to Forestry Minister Returning Envelope from Kuansing Regent

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has responded to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni’s admission that an envelope was left behind by Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby and was immediately returned. The KPK stressed that returning money does not eliminate criminal liability if criminal elements are found.

‘Yes, returning it does not eliminate the criminal act, but the extent to which the return becomes a fact that was initially constructed—that the regent was seeking a recommendation from the ministry—that will be further investigated by the investigative team,’ said Acting KPK Director of Investigations Achmad Taufik Husein during a press conference at the KPK building in Kuningan, Jakarta, on Friday (3/7/2026).

The KPK has no objection if Raja Juli delivers his testimony publicly. Taufik also stated that the KPK is open to the possibility of summoning Raja Juli.

‘But we ask to be given time first because the investigative team is working, whether the person’s testimony is indeed needed, we will certainly issue a summons,’ he said. ‘But this is purely an investigative need. Not because of a press conference or from other parties,’ he added.

Raja Juli himself has spoken about his meeting with Suhardiman Amby on 2 June 2026. Raja Juli explained that the audience meeting was held in an open manner.

‘My first clarification is that it is true that on 2 June 2026, there was an audience with the Kuansing Regent at this office. This was an open audience, the regent sent an official letter, it was published on social media, both mine and the ministry’s, and there was an attendance list and minutes. So if at any time the KPK needs it, or we will even be proactive in submitting what I mentioned earlier,’ said Raja Juli to reporters at the Forestry Ministry office in Central Jakarta on Friday (3/7).

He said Suhardiman had left an envelope covered by a folder in his office after the audience. Raja Juli then asked his aide-de-camp to immediately return the envelope.

‘During the audience, it turned out that the Kuansing Regent left an envelope covered with a folder. And when he left, I only just realised, and I immediately asked my aide to return the envelope. I do not know what the contents were, but I felt I had no right to the envelope, and I asked my aide to return it,’ he said.

Raja Juli’s aide then returned the envelope at the Kuantan Singingi Police Station on 12 June 2026, 17 days before Suhardiman was caught in a sting operation (OTT). Raja Juli also showed the receipt and photos of the envelope return meeting to reporters.

‘I personally called the Riau Regional Police Chief to help facilitate my aide meeting with the Kuantan Singingi Regent at the Kuantan Singingi Police Chief’s office. So on the 12th, everyone, Friday, 12 June, about 17 days before the OTT occurred, my aide had already returned the envelope, a white envelope, to the Kuantan Singingi Regent. There is a receipt, there are photos. I will show you the originals. Here is the receipt, dated 12 June at 14.57 WIB,’ he said.

The KPK initially conducted the sting operation against Suhardiman based on initial information regarding alleged bribery related to the position of candidate for regional secretary. However, when the OTT was carried out, the KPK team found alleged involvement of Suhardiman related to the release of limited production forest areas (HPT).

‘The KPK also found evidence of other alleged receipts by SA related to the release of limited production forest areas,’ said Acting KPK Director of Investigations Ahmad Taufik Husein at the KPK building in South Jakarta on Wednesday (1/7).

In the case of buying and selling positions, three people have been named as suspects, namely: 1. Suhardiman Amby as Kuansing Regent, 2. Zulkarnain as Kuansing Regional Secretary, and 3. Ardiles as President Director of PT MIC.