Indonesian Minister returns envelope before regent's graft arrest

Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has detailed the return of an envelope left by the Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby, at the Ministry of Forestry's office. Antoni stated the envelope was returned approximately 17 days before the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation against Suhardiman.

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In that meeting, the Kuansing Regent left an envelope sealed with a folder. And when he left, I asked my aide to return the envelope. I don't know what was inside, but I felt I had no right to the envelope. Therefore, I asked my aide to return it.

Antoni explained that an official meeting with the Kuansing Regent took place on Tuesday, May 2nd, at the Ministry of Forestry. He emphasized the meeting was formal and open, initiated by a request from the regional government, publicized on social media, and included a sign-in sheet and minutes available for the KPK if needed. After the meeting, Antoni noticed a sealed envelope left by the Regent and, unsure of its contents but feeling he had no right to it, instructed his aide to return it immediately.

The return of the envelope was delayed due to scheduling conflicts. Eventually, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Forestry issued a task order and coordinated with the Riau Police Chief to facilitate the handover. The envelope was personally delivered to the Kuansing Regent on June 12th at the Kuantan Singingi Police Station. Antoni stressed this occurred about 17 days before the KPK's operation and was fully documented with a stamped receipt.

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On Thursday, June 11th, the Secretary-General issued a delivery order, a task order to my aide to visit the Kuansing Regent. I personally called the Riau Police Chief to help facilitate my aide meeting the Kuansing Regent at the Kuansing Police Station.

Furthermore, Raja Juli firmly denied any connection to the release of forest areas in the Kuansing Regency. He asserted that he has not issued any decrees for the release of forest areas in that region, nor has any portion of the forest land under his authority been converted to "Other Use Areas" (APL). Antoni reaffirmed the Ministry of Forestry's commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts, aligning with the values the ministry upholds.

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Not one decree have I issued for the release of forest areas in Kuantan Singingi. Not a single inch of forest area in Kuantan Singingi under my authority have I released as APL (Area for Other Use).