“Encroachment control is carried out to protect the peat ecosystem. This operation aims to curb encroachment and maintain the sustainability of the national park’s ecological functions,” TNBS Head Yunaidi said in Jambi on Saturday.
He said the operation was carried out from December 4 to 10, 2025, targeting encroachment in the protected peat swamp ecosystem.
The operation took place at the Sungai Rambut Resort, under National Park Management Section Region I, located administratively in Sungai Palas Hamlet, Rantau Rasau Village, Berbak sub-district, East Tanjung Jabung District.
Yunaidi said the operation involved 51 joint personnel from six institutions, including the TNBS Office, the Sumatra Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, the police, the army, sub-district and village authorities, and Forestry Police Community Partners.
Using chainsaws, machetes, and other equipment, the team cleared illegal palm oil plantations, eradicating approximately 98.88 hectares of land.
He emphasized that the area cleared during the operation was different from locations currently under legal prosecution. The TNBS Office confirmed that the eradication site is separate from an encroachment area involved in an ongoing forestry crime case with two suspects.
The clarification was provided to ensure accurate public information and to prevent the perception that the operation was directly linked to the ongoing legal process.
Berbak and Sembilang National Park is one of the most important peat swamp ecosystems in Sumatra and serves as a habitat for various wildlife species, including protected animals.
Encroachment and land clearing for plantations, including illegal palm oil cultivation, can damage ecosystem structures and increase the risk of forest and land fires.
The security operation forms part of the national park office’s regular efforts to curb encroachment, preserve peatland hydrology, protect biodiversity, and strengthen integrated, community-based patrol monitoring.
The TNBS Office expressed its appreciation to all parties involved and stressed the importance of cross-agency cooperation to ensure the conservation area remains protected.
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Translator: Agus Suprayitno, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Primayanti
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