Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has publicly addressed his connection to the corruption investigation involving Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby, confirming that he returned an unsolicited envelope left by the regent during an official meeting on June 2, 2026. The minister stated that he returned the item 17 days before the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted an operation that led to the regent’s arrest on bribery charges.
Meeting Context and Envelope Return
Raja Juli Antoni clarified that the June 2 meeting was a formal, transparent audience requested by the regent through official channels. According to the minister, the encounter was documented with a guest list and minutes at the Ministry of Forestry office in Central Jakarta.
Following the meeting, Raja Juli discovered that Suhardiman Amby had left an envelope inside a map in his office. The minister stated he did not know the contents of the envelope but immediately instructed his aide to return it, as he felt he had no right to the item. On June 12, 2026, the aide returned the envelope at the Kuantan Singingi Police Station, a process facilitated by a phone call from Raja Juli to the Riau Regional Police Chief. The minister presented photographic evidence and a signed receipt dated June 12 at 14:57 WIB to reporters as proof of the return.
Status of Forest Land Authority
Addressing speculation regarding his influence on land use, Raja Juli asserted that no official decree (SK) had been issued under his authority as Minister of Forestry to reclassify land in Kuantan Singingi. He explicitly stated that not a single piece of forest area in the region had been converted into non-forest or Areal Penggunaan Lahan (APL) during his tenure.
KPK Investigation Scope
The KPK’s case against Suhardiman Amby has expanded beyond the initial allegations of bribery related to the appointment of a regional secretary. Plt Director of Investigation at the KPK, Ahmad Taufik Husein, confirmed on July 1 that the agency is also investigating the regent for alleged illegal receipts linked to the release of Limited Production Forest (HPT) areas.
In addition to the regent, the KPK has named two other suspects in the bribery case: Zulkarnain, the Secretary of Kuantan Singingi, and Ardiles, the Dirut of PT MIC. Raja Juli has expressed his intent to remain cooperative with the KPK should the agency require further information regarding his interaction with the regent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the investigation into the Kuantan Singingi Regent?
Suhardiman Amby is currently a suspect in a KPK corruption case involving the bribery of a regional secretary and is also being investigated for alleged illegal receipts related to the release of Limited Production Forest (HPT) areas.
Did the Minister of Forestry authorize any land releases in Kuansing?
No. Raja Juli Antoni stated that he has not issued any decrees to reclassify forest land in Kuantan Singingi to non-forest or Areal Penggunaan Lahan (APL) status.
Why is the Minister of Forestry involved in the narrative?
The minister’s name surfaced on social media following the KPK’s operation against the regent, due to an earlier meeting held on June 2, 2026, which some social media users attempted to link to the subsequent arrest.
How might the documentation provided by the ministry influence the KPK’s ongoing assessment of the regent’s activities?
