Police Uncover New Environmental Crime Tactics, Brig. Gen. Irhamni: Follow the Money, Not Just the Perpetrators!

JAKARTA - The Director of Special Criminal Cases (Dirtipidter) of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police, Brigjen Pol. Muhammad Irhamni emphasized that handling crimes in the natural resources and environmental sector (SDA-LH) must adapt to the development of modus operandi that is increasingly modern, organized, and involving corporations. Therefore, law enforcement officers are encouraged to prioritize the follow the money approach to dismantle the main actors behind environmental crimes.

This was conveyed by Irhamni when attending the National Symposium on the Outlook for SDA-LH Crime 2026-2030 which was held by Auriga Nusantara in Jakarta, Thursday, July 16.

"Environmental crimes in the modern era can no longer be faced with conventional methods that are reactive. The perpetrators of land and forest crimes are now moving in an organized manner, taking advantage of regulatory gaps, to using complex corporate instruments. Therefore, the law must not lose a step," said Irhamni.

According to him, law enforcement should not stop at the field actors or lower-level intellectual actors. Law enforcement agencies must develop investigations by tracing the flow of funds and assets from crime to ensnare corporations that profit from environmental destruction.

"Recovering state and ecosystem losses is far more crucial than simply imprisoning workers on the front lines. Therefore, the follow-the-money approach to pursuing environmental destroyers and confiscating their criminal assets," he said.

Irhamni also assessed that inter-agency synergy between law enforcement agencies was the key to uncovering structured environmental crime networks. According to him, sectoral ego has often been an obstacle to resolving cases.

He encouraged the Police, Prosecutor's Office, Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), and relevant ministries and agencies to build an integrated database system to strengthen coordination in handling cases.

"This multisectoral collaboration is the key to breaking down the structured environmental mafia network," he said.

In addition to strengthening coordination, Irhamni emphasized the importance of utilizing the results of academic research in the investigation process. According to him, scientific studies and expert testimony on the environment can be evidence that strengthens the proof in court.

He said that land and forest crimes were not only violations of the environment, but also threatened food security, energy security, and state sovereignty because they often involved cross-regional and cross-border networks with large funds.

"The crime of SDA-LH in essence is not merely a crime against the environment, but a crime that threatens state sovereignty, food security, energy security, and public welfare," he said.

Therefore, Irhamni assessed that environmental crimes must be treated as serious organized crime that requires a rapid, integrated, and intelligence-based response. Law enforcement agencies are also encouraged to utilize digital technology, financial analysis, and spatial mapping to support investigations.

He reminded that the period 2026-2030 will be an important period for Indonesia's ecological resilience. According to him, without increasing the capacity of the apparatus and strengthening law enforcement, the environmental damage that occurs has the potential to be permanent.

"A firm, transparent, and pro-environmental commitment to sustainability is the only legacy that must be fought for for future generations," said Irhamni.

At the end of the event, Irhamni appreciated the implementation of the National Symposium on the Outlook for Natural Resources and Environmental Crime 2026-2030. He assessed that the forum provided a new perspective and useful input for law enforcement officials in improving the effectiveness of handling environmental cases.

"Regarding this environmental and natural resources activity, the material presented is very good. All speakers present have high competence, ranging from former KPK leaders to deans who are actively conducting research related to natural resources and land crimes," he concluded.