Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Forestry, through the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority (TNBTS), has clarified the circulating information regarding the discovery of a cannabis plantation in a Nature Conservation Area. This incident was previously linked to drone usage restrictions and the planned closure of the tourist area, which the ministry has stated is inaccurate information.
According to the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), Satyawan Pudyatmoko, cannabis plants were found within the TNBTS area in September 2024. The location was identified as part of an ongoing narcotics case investigation led by the Lumajang Resort Police.
From September 18 to 21, 2024, a joint team consisting of TNBTS officials, Lumajang Resort Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the Argosari Village government in Senduro District, Lumajang Regency, successfully uncovered cannabis plantations in the Pusung Duwur Block, Senduro District, and Gucialit, Lumajang Regency.
In its press release, the Ministry of Forestry stated that the mapping and discovery of the cannabis fields were conducted using drone technology. The team found that the plants were located in a highly concealed area, covered by dense shrubbery and situated on steep slopes.
Following the discovery, a team comprising TNBTS officials, Lumajang Resort Police, Forest Rangers, and Manggala Agni (forest fire brigade), with support from the local community, proceeded with clearing and uprooting the cannabis plants, which were then secured as evidence by the police.
As of now, the Lumajang Resort Police have named four suspects, all residents of Argosari Village, Senduro District. The suspects are currently undergoing legal proceedings at the Lumajang District Court.
Responding to claims that the drone usage restrictions and the planned closure of TNBTS were related to the cannabis plantation case, the TNBTS Authority firmly stated that this was false. Drone usage restrictions in conservation areas have been regulated since the issuance of Government Regulation No. 36 of 2024 concerning Types and Tariffs of Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) applicable to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. This regulation has also been enforced since 2019 through the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for climbing Mount Semeru.
The Ministry of Forestry has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing patrols and monitoring efforts to prevent similar incidents from occurring within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area.
