JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has ensured that the investigation into the provision of envelopes from the non-active Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Suhardiman Amby to the Minister of Forestry (Menhut) Raja Juli Antoni continues. Investigators are still strengthening the evidence and are ready to develop if they find the involvement of other parties.
This was conveyed by KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in response to allegations that his party would not trap Raja Juli who appeared in the alleged payment of money related to the management of permits for the release of the Terbata Production Forest (HPT) area.
"Investigators are still focusing on strengthening and thickening the additional evidence needed. Not only to complete the investigation file of the parties who have been designated as suspects but also open the opportunity to continue to trace whether there are still other parties who do have a significant role," Budi told reporters at the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Monday, July 13.
Budi ensured that all legal enforcement processes were carried out not because of pressure or public opinion.
"We assure the public that the determination of suspects by the KPK is based on the sufficiency of valid evidence, yes, in this investigation process," he said.
Currently, investigators are continuing to examine witnesses and investigating the entire series of alleged money-giving.
The seizure of money amounting to 12,500 Singapore dollars from the Head of the Kuansing DPRD who also served as the Head of the Village Unit Cooperative (KUD) was also a gateway. Because, he suspected that the money in Raja Juli's envelope came from the cutting of the Residual Business Results (SHU) of farmers who were members of the KUD.
"Yes, then in the process, Mr. Menhut himself publicly confirmed, confirmed the provision of the money from the Regent, who was then returned by the Minister," explained Budi.
"From the date of June 2, it was returned on June 12 and then on July 3, the Minister also reported to the KPK in the context of prevention, namely a report related to the rejection of gratification," he continued.
Investigators will also later investigate the motive for the gift to the Secretary General of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI). "So this is also to investigate how the illegal acts of the parties, whether it is the parties who have been designated as suspects or there are still other parties who have a significant role in this process."
As previously reported, the KPK named three people as suspects in the alleged bribery of the filling of the Kuansing Regent's post after conducting a hand-in-hand operation (OTT) on Monday, June 29. They are Kuansing Regent Suhardiman Amby, Kuansing Regent Zulkarnain, and Ardiles as President Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant.
In the construction of the case, Suhardiman allegedly asked for one unit of Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR-S worth around Rp2.05 billion to the participants of the selection for the position of the Regional Secretary.
The request was fulfilled by Zulkarnain who bought the vehicle through a credit scheme using Ardiles' identity for financing applications.
The KPK also found other alleged receipts made by Suhardiman related to the process of releasing Limited Production Forest (HPT) areas. Investigators are said to be tracing the amount of receipts, the mechanism of giving to the party suspected of receiving at the Ministry of Forestry.
Meanwhile, Raja Juli, in a press conference after the silent operation was held, admitted that the Regent of Kuansing Suhardiman Amby had left a sealed envelope after an audience at the Ministry of Forestry on June 2, 2026.
He then ordered his aide to return the envelope on June 5, 2026. However, the plan was delayed because his aide had to accompany him in the agenda of the service.
Furthermore, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Forestry then issued a letter of assignment to his aide on June 11, 2026. In addition, Raja Juli admitted that he contacted the Riau Police Chief to help bring his aide and the Regent of Kuansing together.
The return of the envelope, he claimed, was made on June 12, 2026 at the Kuantan Singingi Police. Raja Juli emphasized that the process was documented and there was a sign of acceptance.
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