Reje Kampung In Central Aceh Arrested For Alleged Destruction Of Protected Forests

The protected forest area that was added in Central Aceh, Sunday (21/9/2025). BETWEEN/HO-Central Aceh Police

The Central Aceh Police Criminal Investigation Unit Team arrested a village reje or village head (kades) related to the alleged increase or destruction of protected forests in the Bur Kelieten area, Central Aceh Regency.

Central Aceh Police Chief AKBP Muhammad Taufik said the perpetrator had the initials BT (54), a resident of Bintang District, Central Aceh Regency.

BT was arrested in Rawe Village, Lut Tawar District, Central Aceh Regency, on Sunday (21/9) at around 14.00 WIB. Currently, BT is being secured at the Central Aceh Police Headquarters for further investigation," he said when contacted from Banda Aceh, Antara, Wednesday, September 24.

Head of the Central Aceh Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Iptu Deno Wahyudi, explained that BT's arrest was related to the alleged destruction of protected forests in the Bur Kelieten area, Bale Nosar Village, Bintang District.

BT is suspected of converting the protected forest area into a private garden. The destruction of the protected forest took place from June 2024 to August 2025," he said.

This case was revealed after investigators found illegal logging activities in the area. The results of the investigation revealed that BT cut more than 100 trees of various types.

The wood from the slashing was processed into boards and blocks to build the hut. BT also planted a half-hectare area with coffee plants, avocados, and Chinese petai for personal gain without permission," said Deno.

For his actions, BT is suspected of violating Article 92 Paragraph (1) letters a and b of Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning Job Creation.

"The threat of punishment for perpetrators is a minimum of three years and a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of between Rp. 1.5 billion to Rp. 5 billion," he said.

Deno emphasized that protected forests are an important asset for the sustainability of the ecosystem. Therefore, people are reminded not to penetrate or cut down trees in protected forest areas without permission.

The illegal addition of protected forests other than destroying the environment is also a criminal act. We invite together to preserve the forest for the future of generations," said Deno Wahyudi.