“This practice is believed to have caused state losses of up to Rp240 billion (US$14 million),” said Director of Forestry Crimes of the Ministry of Forestry Rudianto Saragih Napitu here, Wednesday.
The seizure followed a joint field operation on October 4, during which the Garuda Team Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH) and the Ministry of Forestry's officials sealed the operational area and seized production facilities at the Sipora Forest Management Unit (HPT).
Investigations are now underway into an individual identified as IM and the company PT BRN.
“PT BRN is suspected of conducting organized illegal logging from 2022 to 2025 in Tuapejat and Betumonga Villages,” Napitu stated.
“The operation involved cutting timber outside the permitted area, encroaching into forest zones, and falsifying Forest Product Legality Certificates (SKSHH) to legitimize the timber.”
The logs were transported by tugboat Jenebora I and loaded onto the barge Kencana Sanjaya & B at the Port of Gresik, East Java.
Worker testimonies revealed that three shipments had been made to Surabaya, totaling approximately 11,629.33 cubic meters, including the logs currently under government custody.
Satellite imagery and field verification indicate that the affected area spans roughly 597.35 hectares—comprising 7.79 hectares of roads within production forest zones and 589.56 hectares outside the designated Land Rights Holder (PHAT) area.
“In addition to enforcing forestry crimes, we are preparing to enforce Money Laundering (TPPU) regulations to disrupt illegal profit flows and enhance deterrence,” Napitu added.
His office estimates that the Rp240 billion in losses includes Rp42 billion (US$2.4 million) in timber value, alongside environmental and ecosystem damage.
Director General of Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho emphasized that the investigation, including its downstream phase in Gresik, reflects a broader state policy to close loopholes in forest destruction from upstream to downstream.
“Perpetrators will face administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions, including permit revocation,” Nugroho warned. “If the legal elements are met, they could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to Rp15 billion (US$878,000).”
Related news: Government promotes multi-enterprise model to boost forest potential
Related news: Indonesia to accelerate recognition of customary forests
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
