KPK summons special staffer to forestry minister in bribery probe

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Andi Saiful Haq, a Special Staffer to the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, to testify as a witness in an ongoing bribery and gratification case.

Andi Saiful Haq, who also serves as the Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), was scheduled to be examined at the KPK's Red and White Building on Friday. The investigation centers on allegations of bribery for the appointment of regional officials and acceptance of gratification in Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regency, Riau Province, spanning the years 2021 to 2026.

As of Friday afternoon, Haq had not yet appeared for his scheduled examination, and the KPK had not received confirmation of his attendance. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the summons and stated that investigators were awaiting his arrival.

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The examination is being carried out at the KPK's Red and White Building in the name of: Andi Saiful Haq.

This development is linked to earlier findings by the KPK suggesting that Minister Raja Juli Antoni allegedly received Rp14,000 Singapore dollars (approximately US$10,300) from the Regent of Kuansing, Suhardiman Amby. This money is suspected to be connected to the process of releasing limited production forest areas. The KPK noted that not all of the money allegedly returned by Antoni to the commission has been accounted for.

The funds were reportedly collected by Suhardiman from village heads, sub-district heads, and a village cooperative comprising farmers. The KPK is also investigating claims that Suhardiman made other payments, totaling around S$12,500, to another official within the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The identity of this official has not been disclosed, but the KPK confirmed they have not received any returned funds from this individual.

Currently, the KPK has named three suspects in this case: Suhardiman Amby (Regent of Kuansing), Zulkarnain (Regional Secretary of Kuansing), and Ardiles (Director of PT Mitra Ideal Consultant). Suhardiman faces charges related to bribery for positions and gratification concerning forest area releases, while Zulkarnain and Ardiles are charged as the givers of the bribe. All three suspects have been detained.

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Until now, the witness has not been present, and the investigators have not received confirmation. We are still waiting.