Enviro News Asia, Banyuwangi — The Ministry of Forestry has foiled an attempt to smuggle illegal timber from the Meru Betiri National Park area, seizing 343 logs transported by truck in Kalibaru, Banyuwangi, on October 26, 2026.
The operation was carried out by the ministry’s Forestry Security and Law Enforcement Agency for the Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara (Jabalnusra) region, in coordination with the Meru Betiri National Park Office. Three people were initially detained at the scene for preliminary questioning. Following further investigation, two were named suspects as authorities seek to uncover a wider illegal logging network allegedly using Bali as its distribution destination.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho stressed that law enforcement in conservation areas should not focus solely on resolving criminal cases. Enforcement measures must also close opportunities for forestry crimes and strengthen protection systems to prevent further forest destruction.
“Every enforcement action must make conservation areas increasingly difficult for forestry criminals to penetrate. We cannot continue facing the same patterns of violations without improving the protection system,” Januanto said.
He said the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency must serve as a supporting force for national park and conservation area managers across Indonesia, who work on the front lines every day. The state, he added, must not only be present when arrests are made.
“The state’s presence must be reflected in better-protected forests, safer wildlife habitats, and communities that continue to benefit from environmental conservation. No one should profit from crimes at the expense of conservation areas and the loss of the nation’s natural wealth,” he said.
The case began at around 1:30 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), when Meru Betiri National Park officers received information about the movement of a suspicious truck from the West River Block in Curahnongko Village, Tempurejo District, Jember Regency, an area directly bordering the national park.
Officers followed the truck to Jember City and spotted it again at around 4:30 a.m. on the Kalibaru Highway in Banyuwangi Regency.
During an initial inspection, officers discovered 343 logs of various sizes, suspected to be laosan or Java meranti (Dipterocarpus hasseltii), bearing chainsaw cutting marks. The individuals involved also presented transport documents for cultivated timber products, claiming that the wood originated from privately owned forest land.
Investigators are now examining these documents to verify whether the declared origin corresponds with the physical characteristics, volume, and species of the timber found at the scene.
Three people were initially questioned during the operation. However, following further investigation and intensive questioning, one person was found not to be involved and was released. The other two were formally named suspects and are being processed further.
They were identified by the initials BR, who is suspected of owning the timber, and TAS, who allegedly served as the person responsible for and controller of its distribution, including plans to ship the timber to Bali.
The evidence, consisting of one truck and its timber cargo, along with the two suspects, has been handed over to civil servant investigators at the Jabalnusra Forestry Law Enforcement Office. The investigation aims to establish the timber’s origin and identify other individuals involved in the illegal distribution network.
Meru Betiri National Park Head RM Wiwied Widodo said the enforcement operation should serve as an opportunity for evaluation and continuous improvements at the field level. Through the SMART Patrol system, the park management is committed to directing surveillance more precisely toward vulnerable areas.
He stressed that area protection should not wait until violations occur. Officers must maintain a visible presence to safeguard ecosystems and protect wildlife habitats.
The latest operation follows a series of previous enforcement efforts. In 2025, a joint team uncovered the shipment of 1,366 illegal logs destined for Bali. That case has since reached the P-21 stage, indicating that the investigation file has been declared complete, with three suspects identified.
In September 2026, another 79 processed timber logs were seized along a similar route.
Meanwhile, Jabalnusra Forestry Law Enforcement Office Head Aswin Bangun said the investigation would be conducted comprehensively to establish the full chain of responsibility.
“Handling this case requires more than proving the origin of the timber and the validity of its transport documents. We must trace how the timber was obtained, who arranged its transportation and trade, and who actually benefited the most. With a thoroughly developed case, law enforcement is expected to reach the principal individuals responsible and break the chain of criminal activities threatening Meru Betiri,” he said.
The Ministry of Forestry continues to strengthen cross-sector cooperation through targeted patrols, capacity building for officers, close collaboration with communities, and firm enforcement measures to safeguard the ecological and social sustainability of Meru Betiri National Park for future generations. (*)
