South Kalimantan Police Confiscate Hundreds of Ironwood from Illegal Logging

Ditreskrimsus Polda Kalsel menunjukkan tersangka dan barang bukti kayu ulin yang disita, Rabu (21/9/2022). (ANTARA/Firman)

BANJARMASIN - The Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation of the South Kalimantan Police confiscated as many as 874 ironwood logs suspected of being the result of illegal logging in the Tanah Laut Regency area.

"There were 3 suspects with the initials RP, AR, and MM were arrested while transporting ironwood using two trucks on Friday, September 16", said Head of Public Relations of the South Kalimantan Police, Commissioner Mochamad Rifa'i in Banjarmasin as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 21.

Disclosure of the illegal logging crime began with public information related to timber transportation activities that were alleged without documents.

The Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the South Kalimantan Police, Commissioner Suhasto, immediately ordered the Head of Sub-Directorate IV for Tipidter, AKBP M. Ifan Hariyat, to conduct an investigation.

As a result, the three suspects were arrested while carrying 874 pieces of ironwood or 14 cubic meters in two trucks while crossing Ahmad Yani Street, Tajau Pecah Village, Batu Ampar District, Tanah Laut Regency.

"When examined, the perpetrator could not show the Legal Timber Product Certificate (SKSHHK)", explained Rifa'i.

"We continue to intensify the enforcement of this logging law according to the direction of the National Police Chief to preserve the forest from illegal logging actions", said Rifa'i.

Based on data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) published in January 2021, the total forest area in South Kalimantan Province is approximately 1,664,000 hectares, of which approximately 950,800 hectares are protected and production forest areas.

The use of forest areas for activities outside the forestry sector to support development is carried out through a Borrow-to-Use Forest Area Permit (IPPKH).

There are 93 active IPPKH data in South Kalimantan Province as of 2020 with an area of approximately 56,243 hectares or 5.92 percent of the protected forest area and production forest consisting of non-mining IPPKH (construction of public roads, toll roads, and communication networks). as many as 6 units covering an area of 1,165 hectares and mining IPPKH (coal, iron ore and excavation C) as many as 87 units covering an area of 55,078 hectares or 5.79 percent of the protected forest area and production forest.

The suspects who are currently being detained are being ensnared by investigators under Article 83 Paragraph (1) letter b in conjunction with Article 12 letter e of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation which amends Article 83 Paragraph (1) letter b in conjunction with Article 12 letter e of the Indonesia Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction with a minimum imprisonment of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years and a minimum fine of IDR 500 million and a maximum of IDR 2.5 billion.