INDOPOSCO.ID – Indonesian Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has explained the timeline behind the return of an envelope allegedly given by Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby at the Ministry of Forestry office in Jakarta on June 2, 2026.
The issue came under public scrutiny after Suhardiman was named a suspect in an alleged bribery case involving the appointment of a regional secretary and permits for the release of forest areas.
Raja Juli said he was initially unaware that an envelope had been handed over. He stated that he only learned about it after his meeting with Suhardiman had concluded.
According to Raja Juli, the envelope was originally scheduled to be returned to Suhardiman on June 5. However, the plan was postponed because his aide was required to accompany him to another official engagement.
“June 2 was a Tuesday. I only have one aide, so I told him, ‘You can go on Friday.’ That would have been June 5,” Raja Juli said at the Ministry of Forestry office in Jakarta on Friday (July 3, 2026).
“However, it turned out that June 5 was not possible because my aide had to stay with me and assist me, as I had another meeting that day with the Deputy Attorney General for Civil and Administrative Affairs,” he added.
Raja Juli said the Ministry of Forestry later issued an official assignment letter authorizing his aide to meet Suhardiman. He also contacted the police to help facilitate the meeting.
“On Thursday, June 11, the Secretary-General issued an official travel and assignment letter for my aide to visit the Regent of Kuantan Singingi,” said the politician from the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI).
During the press briefing, Raja Juli showed reporters a photograph of his aide meeting Suhardiman and presented a receipt documenting the return of the envelope.
“I am showing you the original document.
This is the acknowledgment of receipt, dated June 12 at 2:57 p.m. It was signed by Dr. Suhardiman Amby, Regent of Kuantan Singingi, complete with a stamp duty. This is my aide, Bambang Haryadi,” Raja Juli said.
According to Raja Juli, the envelope was returned before Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) carried out a sting operation that led to Suhardiman’s arrest in late June 2026.(dan)
