Minister Raja Juli Claims He Returned White Envelope to Kuansing Regent, Here's KPK's Response

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has responded to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni’s admission regarding receiving an envelope from Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby. According to the KPK, the minister’s claim that he received and subsequently returned the envelope will be used to enrich their information.

‘What was conveyed will certainly enrich the information for investigators, whether the money in the envelope given by the Regent is related to the process of releasing forest area permits or not,’ said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists in Jakarta on Friday.

Budi explained that the minister’s statement provides additional context, as the KPK had previously obtained initial information regarding the collection of money by Suhardiman from several village unit cooperatives (KUD) in the Kuansing area. ‘Thus, investigators are certainly open to requesting statements from parties who can explain this matter,’ he said.