"Marijuana plants were found in the TNBTS area in September 2024. The location was found from the narcotics case development by Lumajang Police," the ministry's Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Satyawan Pudyatmoko said in a statement on Wednesday.
He denied that the restrictions on drone use and plans to close down TNBTS were related to the marijuana field case.
Restrictions on drone use in conservation areas are regulated by Government Regulation Number 36 of 2024 concerning Types and Tariffs of PNBP applicable at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The regulation has also been implemented since 2019 through the standards and procedures for climbing at Mount Semeru.
From September 18–21, 2024, a joint team from the TNBTS Center, Lumajang Police, Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), officials from Argosari Village, Senduro Sub-district, and Lumajang District found the marijuana plants in the Pusung Duwur Block in Senduro and Gucialit Sub-districts.
The mapping and detection of the marijuana fields were carried out using drone technology. The team found the marijuana plants hidden in a secluded location, covered in dense bushes, and on a steep slope.
After the discovery of the fields, the team, whose personnel were drawn from the TNBTS Center, Lumajang Police, Forest Police, and Manggala Agni (Forest Fire Control Brigade), cleaned and uprooted the marijuana plants with the support of the local community. The plants were handed to police as evidence.
The Lumajang Police have named four residents of Argosari Village as suspects in the case. They are currently undergoing legal proceedings at the Lumajang District Court.
Pudyatmoko assured that his party will continue to step up patrols and supervision to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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