KLHK Secures 3 Perpetrators Of Illegal Logging Wood Processing In The Baluran National Park

Evidence of illegal logging results carried out in the Baluran National Park, East Java (ANTARA/HO-KLHK)

The Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) has arrested three perpetrators suspected of processing teak wood from illegal logging in the Baluran National Park area, East Java. "We firmly enforce the law against forestry crimes such as cases of additional and illegal logging in conservation areas and other forest areas. We must fight crimes like this. We have taken action and law enforcement for the perpetrators," said Head of the Balai Gakkum KLHK for the Jabalnusra Region. Taqiuddin in a statement received in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, August 12. "In recent years, the forest area of the Baluran National Park has become our concern, because of the rampant perpetrators who enrich themselves from the results of destroying forests," he said. He explained that the Investigation Team of the Balai Gakkum KLHK for the Jabalnusra Region had named J (39), A (49), and Y (53) as suspects for processing teak wood using a serkel saw originating from illegal logging in the Balan National Park forest area on August 8, 2024. Currently, the perpetrator has been named a suspect by the Investigators of the Balai Gakkum KLHK for the Jabalnusra Region and entrusted to the East Java Police State Detention Center. In addition, evidence in the form of ten square teak logs with various sizes, 61 sirap boards with an average size of 200 cm, and one saw unit were also secured. Taqiuddin said the disclosure of the case began on August 6, 2024, when the Balan National Park Forest Area Security Team carried out patrol duties and found nine tugs of wood used for illegal logging. Then the team searched for information related to illegal logging and reconnaissance on August 7, 2024, for perpetrators suspected of illegal logging to the payroll location.

The raid was carried out at the payroll location and managed to secure three people while one person with the initials S fled. Subsequently, the perpetrator was carried out further investigation by the Investigation Team of the Balai Gakkum KLHK for the Jabalnusra Region. Three suspects were charged with criminal acts in the field of preventing and eradicating forest destruction and were threatened with a maximum imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of IDR 2.5 billion.