Investigators from the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) visited the Ministry of Forestry on January 7, 2026, to match data on forest function changes. The visit relates to the investigation of a corruption case involving nickel mining permits in Konawe Utara, Southeast Sulawesi. The ministry confirmed the process was cooperative and not a search.
On January 7, 2026, investigators from the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) of the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) arrived at the Directorate General of Forest Planning, Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Kemenhut). The visit drew public attention as it was initially mistaken for a search, but both parties clarified it was only data verification.
Head of Legal Information Center at Kejagung, Anang Supriatna, explained the activity related to the investigation of alleged corruption in nickel mining operations in the Konawe Utara forest area. "The case involves the opening of mining activities by mining companies entering forest areas granted by the local head at that time in Konawe Utara, in violation of regulations," Anang stated on January 8, 2026.
The case was originally handled by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) since 2017, with former Konawe Utara Regent Aswad Sulaiman as a suspect. Aswad allegedly issued 17 mining business permits (IUP) in one day, including on land owned by PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), and received bribes of Rp 13 billion. State losses are estimated at Rp 2.7 trillion. KPK issued a termination letter (SP3) in December 2024, and Kejagung continued the investigation from August-September 2025.
Head of Public Relations Bureau at Kemenhut, Ristianto Pribadi, denied any search. "The presence of Attorney General's investigators was intended to match data related to changes in forest functions, especially protected forests in several areas, which occurred in the past and not during the current Merah Putih Cabinet period," he said. The process was open, professional, and cooperative, with Kemenhut providing data in accordance with regulations.
The visit highlights law enforcement commitment to rules in forestry and mining sectors, despite the case originating from the past.
