South Kalimantan Police Chief Orders Members To Take Strict Action Against Illegal Logging

South Kalimantan Police Chief Inspector General Rikwanto /PHOTO VIA ANTARA

BANJARMASIN - South Kalimantan Police Chief Inspector General Rikwanto invites all parties to save the forest by preventing illegal logging or tree cutting without permission to make personal gain.

"This forest in South Kalimantan must be saved. I have ordered members of the relevant task force to take firm action against the perpetrators of illegal logging," said Rikwanto in Banjarmasin, quoted by Antara, Saturday, April 2

According to the Kapolda, supervision needs to be carried out from upstream to downstream. Cross-sectoral synergy is highly expected in order to build an integrated forest area rescue system.

As in terms of law enforcement, Rikwanto said that his party always coordinates with the relevant agencies so as not to take wrong steps to ensure that the actions taken are correct.

"If it is confirmed that the legality of the permit is not fulfilled, then we will definitely take action and legal process the perpetrator," said the South Kalimantan Police Chief.

Rikwanto emphasized that there is no room for illegal logging, whether logging, transporting or selling processed wood, which is proven to have violated regulations.

As was done by the Directorate of Water and Air Police (Ditpolairud) of the South Kalimantan Police on March 7, 2022, by arresting two ships transporting 245 pieces of logs and 5,370 pieces or 76.4352 cubic meters of processed wood without a permit.

Apart from the three civilians, one member of the Hulu Sungai Utara Police was also arrested and named a suspect. The four were charged with Article 83 paragraph 1 letter B of the Republic of Indonesia Law No. 18 of 2013 concerning Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction with a minimum threat 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.

"This latest case at Ditpolairud is proof of the South Kalimantan Police's firmness in taking action against anyone involved in illegal logging, including those involving members of the National Police," said Rikwanto.

Referring to the data from the Office of Investment and One Stop Services in South Kalimantan Province, the area of forest in South Kalimantan according to the Decree of the Minister of Forestry No. 435/Menhut-II/2009 dated July 23, 2009 concerning Designation of Forest and Water Areas of South Kalimantan Province covering an area of 1,779,982 hectares which includes conservation forest covering an area of 213,285 hectares, protected forest covering an area of 526,425 hectares, limited production forest covering an area of 126,660 hectares, and permanent production forest. area of 762,188 hectares and convertible production forest of 151,424 hectares.