Minister Raja Juli Returns Envelope from Kuansing Regent, Denies Wrongdoing

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has revealed the chronology of returning an envelope left by Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby at the Ministry of Forestry office. He stated the envelope was returned approximately 17 days before the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation (OTT) against Suhardiman. Raja Juli explained that the initial meeting with the Kuansing Regent took place at the Ministry of Forestry office on Tuesday, 2 June. He described the meeting as official and transparent, preceded by a formal request letter from the local government, publicised on social media, and accompanied by an attendance list and minutes ready to be submitted to the KPK if required. After the meeting, Raja Juli realised the Regent had left behind a sealed envelope. Claiming he did not know its contents, he immediately instructed his aide to return it. The return was delayed due to scheduling adjustments, but the Secretary General of the Ministry later issued a travel order and coordinated with the Riau Police Chief to facilitate a meeting. The envelope was finally handed back directly to the Regent on 12 June at the Kuantan Singingi Police Station. Raja Juli noted the entire process was documented and accompanied by a stamped receipt. He also dismissed any link between himself and the release of forest areas in Kuantan Singingi, asserting that he has never issued a single decree for forest release in the region. He reiterated his full commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts. The KPK previously stated it would investigate the 2 June meeting between the Regent and the Minister, which reportedly discussed proposals to resolve forest area issues affecting community land. The Regent was named a suspect in a bribery and gratuity case related to the release of Limited Production Forest (HPT) areas following the sting operation on 29 June.