KPK Says Prevention Aspect of Forestry Minister's Envelope Case Closed, Investigation Continues
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has stated that the prevention aspect concerning an envelope allegedly given to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni by the now-inactive Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby, is closed. However, the matter is still being investigated from an enforcement perspective.
“Yes, so on the prevention side, related to the gratuity report made by the Forestry Minister, the case is closed, whereas on the enforcement side, the connection is still being investigated,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Thursday.
Budi explained that the KPK is still investigating the link between the money given to the minister and the alleged bribery for the release of limited production forest areas. “Because in the case’s construction, the Regent, after collecting money from these parties, then gave this money to the Minister. So, the intent, purpose, whose initiative it was, and the motive are all being investigated by the investigators,” he said.
When asked when the KPK would summon the Forestry Minister for questioning in the investigation, Budi said the KPK would provide an update at a later opportunity. “We will continue to update as the investigation is still progressing, and several witnesses have already been summoned,” Budi stated.
Previously, the KPK conducted a sting operation in Kuantan Singingi Regency and Jakarta on 29 June 2026, securing 10 individuals. This operation was the KPK’s 14th sting operation of 2026. Kuansing Regent Suhardiman Amby and Kuansing Regional Secretary Zulkarnain subsequently surrendered to the KPK on 30 June 2026.
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 sale and purchase of positions within the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government from 2021 to 2026. In addition to the bribery allegations, 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, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni explained on 3 July 2026 that during a meeting with Suhardiman on 2 June 2026, the regional head left behind an envelope inside a folder. According to Raja Juli, 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. Raja Juli said the envelope was returned on 12 June 2026 after a delay due to scheduling issues. The envelope was returned to Suhardiman through his aide in Kuantan Singingi Regency. On 3 July 2026, Raja Juli also reported the gratuity rejection to the KPK.