Case Of Illegal Logging In Central Kalimantan Loses Rp2.72 Billion To The State, 1 In 3 Suspects Still On DPO

Illustration of illegal logging. (Between)

The Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) has uncovered a case of illegal logging in the form of cutting wood outside the concession permit in the forest area of Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan (Kalteng).

In this case, three suspects, namely DK (56) and Director and Estate Manager of PT ABL with the initials MAW (61) have been detained at the Salemba Prison in Jakarta.

Meanwhile, the other suspect is the President Director of PT GPB as well as a contractor for logging business licensing for the Utilization of Industrial Plants Forests (PBPH-HTI) PT ABL with the initials HT (44) into the DPO in the pursuit of the Central Kalimantan Police Direskrimsus.

"We convey that it relates to taking action against the Director of PT GBP, as well as the Director and Estate Manager of PT ABL. However, the activity carried out was that they carried out logging without permission in other concession areas," said Director General of Gakkum KLHK Ratio Ridho Sani in a press conference held in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 12, confiscated by Antara.

Based on the investigation in September 2023-January 2024, it is known that the illegal logging crime involved HT (44).

HT as the PBPH-HTI contractor PT ABL has cut out outside the concession permit area of PT ABL which has a permit to manage an area of 11,580 hectares of concessions.

The results of this illegal logging activity resulted in a volume of approximately 1,819 cubic meters and is estimated to have cost the state Rp2.72 billion.

"This value does not include environmental losses caused," he said.

Based on the investigation, PT ABL also did not carry out planting activities properly, and only carried out logging using contractor services.

For their actions, the three suspects in this case were charged with Article 82 Paragraph (1) letters a and/or Article 83 Paragraph (1) letters a and/or Article 85 Paragraph (1) and/or Article 94 paragraph (1) letter a of Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 18 of 2013 concerning Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, and/or Article 78 Paragraph (6) of Law Number 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning Stipulation of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 2 of 2022 concerning Job Creation into Law, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st Criminal Code.

With the threat of a maximum imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum fine of Rp. 100 billion.