7 Bulan Buron, Suspect Of Forest Destroyer In South Konawe Arrested In Kendari

Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation at the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police when they arrested a fugitive destroying a forest in South Konawe. (Between/HO-Polda Sultra)

SULTRA - Police have arrested a fugitive in a forest destroyer case in South Konawe Regency, North Sulawesi Province (Sultra).

Head of Sub-Directorate IV Tipidter Kompol Ronald Arron Maramis said the fugitive was named Wahidin, the main suspect in the case of forest destruction.

"Arrested after seven months of searching. Arrested in Poasia Village, Abeli District, Kendari City," Ronald said when met in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Thursday, March 28, was confiscated by Antara.

He said the case stemmed from reports from the public who entered the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police on July 6, 2023.

After an investigation, the suspect was named Wahidin, for allegedly committing a crime in the field of prevention and eradication of forest destruction in Waworano Village, Kolono District, South Konawe Regency.

"Then we named this suspect into the DPO on September 12, 2023," he said.

According to Ronald, the arrests were made under Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, as well as Law Number 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry.

"After the arrest, the suspect was immediately taken to the headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation of the Southeast Sulawesi Police for further investigation. The next step is to carry out detention in accordance with applicable legal procedures," he said.

He said that his party was committed to upholding law and justice, as well as preserving the environment, being in the spotlight in handling this case. Forest destruction is one of the serious problems that threatens the sustainability of the ecosystem and human life.

"With this arrest, the public is expected to increasingly believe that justice can still be upheld, even in complex cases such as environmental destruction. All parties are expected to unite in fighting all forms of crime, in order to maintain the survival and sustainability of our beloved earth ecosystem, especially in Southeast Sulawesi," said Ronald.