The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli, has issued an official clarification following the dragging of his name into a corruption case involving the Regent of Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing), Suhardiman Amby. Raja Juli acknowledged a formal meeting with Suhardiman on June 2, 2026, at the Ministry of Forestry office in Jakarta, but emphasized that the meeting was conducted transparently and was well-documented.
In his statement, Raja Juli explained that Regent Suhardiman had left a sealed envelope in his office after the audience session ended. Realizing that an item had been left behind, Raja Juli said he immediately ordered his aide to return the envelope to the regent without knowing its contents.
The return of the item took place on June 12, 2026, approximately 17 days before Suhardiman was caught in a sting operation (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Raja Juli also attached proof in the form of a stamped official receipt as a form of moral responsibility and public transparency for his actions.
Furthermore, Raja Juli strongly denied any involvement in corrupt practices, particularly regarding the release of production forest areas in the Kuansing region. He guaranteed that not a single Ministerial Decree (SK) regarding the release of forest areas was issued during his tenure for that region.
As a form of commitment to law enforcement, Raja Juli expressed his full readiness to cooperate if the KPK requires further information. He emphasized that his office would proactively hand over all minutes of meetings, attendance lists, and supporting evidence of the audience to maintain the integrity of the ministry he leads.
