Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized SGD 12,000 and Rp15 million as part of its expanded investigation into the alleged bribery scheme involving appointments to government positions and gratuities linked to suspended Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby. The seizure marks a new phase in the investigation into the alleged illicit flow of funds related to land-use conversion permits in the region.
The cash is believed to be closely connected to the process of obtaining a recommendation for the release of land classified as Limited Production Forest (HPT) in Kuantan Singingi Regency. The case has also drawn attention to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, who was reported to have received a mysterious envelope from one of the suspects.
The KPK suspects that the money seized from witnesses forms part of the funds that had previously been returned by the Ministry of Forestry to the regent’s office.
“The seized money is suspected to be part of the funds that were returned by the Ministry of Forestry. Investigators will continue to examine this information,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said in a written statement.
Budi explained that the money was confiscated from two key witnesses during questioning at the Riau Provincial Representative Office of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) in Pekanbaru.
The two witnesses were Juprizal, Speaker of the Kuantan Singingi Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), and Fahdiansyah, Assistant I to the Kuantan Singingi Regency Government.
Investigators seized SGD 12,000 from Juprizal, while Rp15 million in cash was confiscated from Fahdiansyah.
Cooperative Funds
According to the investigation, Juprizal is suspected of having knowledge of, and involvement in, the collection of funds organized by Suhardiman Amby.
The so-called operational funds were allegedly raised by unilaterally deducting a portion of the remaining operating surplus (SHU) belonging to 914 farmers who are members of a Village Unit Cooperative (KUD).
Before being used for the alleged bribery scheme, the rupiah collected from the farmers was reportedly converted into Singapore dollars.
The foreign currency was allegedly prepared to facilitate the approval process for the conversion of protected forest land and the release of approximately 1,828 hectares of Limited Production Forest (HPT).
The scandal began when Suhardiman Amby allegedly left an envelope after meeting Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni on June 2, 2026.
Raja Juli Antoni later clarified that he only became aware of the envelope after the meeting had concluded. He then instructed his aide to return the money to Suhardiman on June 12, 2026, before the KPK conducted its sting operation.
The intensive questioning in Pekanbaru extends beyond the land conversion case and also explores other allegations involving the suspended regent.
Investigators are focusing on the witnesses’ knowledge of the alleged flow of illicit funds received by the regional leader.
“During the questioning, investigators examined the witnesses regarding their knowledge of the alleged bribery related to the selection process for the Regional Secretary position involving the Regent of Kuantan Singingi,” Budi said.***
