Police Chief Orders Probe into Log Origins, FPIR Applauds Swift Response

Sampah logung yang terbawa banjir di Tapanuli, Sumatra (Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Greater Indonesia Youth Front (FPIR) Fauzan Ohorella highlighted the phenomenon of logs dragged by flood currents in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. He called the incident a strong alarm regarding forest conditions and environmental governance that are increasingly vulnerable.

Fauzan said the incident could not be considered a mere natural phenomenon. According to him, it is impossible for water to carry large wood without any serious damage in the upstream area.

"When the clouds are cloudy, it is impossible for the water to come down with logs. When the discharge rises, there is also the possibility of trees parked in the middle of residential areas," Fauzan said in his statement, Thursday, December 4.

He considered that this phenomenon should be a momentum to raise public awareness about the importance of restructuring forest space as the foundation of national biological and ecological protection. Fauzan also said that in the era of President Prabowo Subianto's administration, forest management policies needed to be the main pillar of development.

The phenomenon of logs washed away in the middle of the flood is a reminder that forests are the nation's bulwark of defense, not just commodities, "said Fauzan.

The National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, also highlighted the findings of the logs. He emphasized that the existence of large amounts of wood is an important indicator that should not be ignored in uncovering the causes of flooding.

Based on this instruction, the National Police has formed a special team in the ranks of the Polda and Polres affected areas to map wood sources, inspect upstream areas of the river, and explore possible illegal logging practices or land clearing without permission. The inspection was carried out with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, BNPB, and local governments.

Fauzan appreciated the quick response of the police officers who moved to help residents in the midst of the flood. According to him, the presence of police in the field helps reduce public panic through the evacuation of victims, distribution of logistics, and psychological assistance to children.

The Sigap Police Chief's response to open an investigation into logs is a tangible manifestation of the Police Precision. This shows awareness that environmental reform must be a common spirit, "said Fauzan.

He added that the wood that was washed away was not just a flow, but a natural message. According to him, landslides show that tree roots are no longer able to support, and fallen trees may not just be weathered, but due to human actions.

"This is a landscape to President Prabowo and National Police Chief Listyo that the improvement of forest space and environmental arrangement must continue to be inflamed," said Fauzan.

Fauzan hopes that the Prabowo 'Gibran government will make this disaster an important lesson to strengthen ecological policies, protect millions of hectares of forests, and prioritize environmental restoration for the safety of the people.

"The aspirations of the people must be a hammer for the policy direction of the Prabowo 'Gibran government," he said.

He emphasized that precise and humanist law enforcement is needed to preserve nature. According to him, the steps taken by the National Police Chief to open an investigation related to the flow of logs are a form of justice for ecology.

"The position of the National Police Chief in responding to logs of wood in flood disasters is a form of justice for natural ecology. This shows a sense of humanity in responding to public unrest," said Fauzan.