KPK investigates alleged forest permit bribery involving Forestry Minister

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has not yet summoned Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni regarding allegations of an envelope containing money allegedly provided by Kuantan Singingi Regent Suhardiman Amby. The funds are suspected to be related to the processing of forest area release permits.

KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto stated that investigators are currently tracing the process of returning the money. So far, the KPK has summoned Andi Saiful Haq, a special staff member to the Forestry Minister, to investigate the involvement of parties in the return process. The commission is awaiting reports from investigators before determining next steps regarding the recipients.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo noted that the investigation is currently focused on completing evidence for an ongoing case involving bribery for the position of Regional Secretary (Sekda) in Kuantan Singingi. This case involves Suhardiman Amby and a former head of the Public Works Department. Additionally, investigators are looking into allegations that funds collected through cooperative members were used to facilitate forest permit processes involving parties within the Ministry of Forestry.