Enviro News Asia, East Kalimantan — The Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum Kehutanan), through its Kalimantan Regional Office, took firm action against illegal coal mining activities inside the Teluk Adang Nature Reserve in Paser Regency, East Kalimantan. The operation involved joint enforcement with the East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the Military Police Detachment VI/1–4 of Penajam Paser Utara.
During the operation, officers secured four excavators and one dump truck that were actively used for unauthorized coal mining within the protected conservation area. The enforcement team apprehended four individuals identified as PT (38), J (24), GM (32), and W (55) while they were conducting stripping, excavation, and coal loading activities.
Investigators have formally named all four individuals as suspects and placed them in custody at the Samarinda Police Detention Center for further legal proceedings. Authorities stated that the suspects were caught in the act, strengthening the basis for criminal charges.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking decisive legal action against both individuals and corporations involved in the destruction of conservation areas. He emphasized that the operation reflects the state’s responsibility to safeguard forest areas in accordance with their designated conservation functions.
Dwi highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between conservation area managers and law enforcement agencies in strengthening protection and security efforts. He stated that such coordination is essential to suppress the ongoing degradation of forest and conservation areas across Indonesia.
The suspects face multiple charges under Article 89 in conjunction with Article 17 of Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction. The provisions carry a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Rp5 billion.
Head of the Kalimantan Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Office, Leonardo Gultom, said the success of the operation resulted from effective synergy with BKSDA East Kalimantan and the Mulawarman Military Police Command, particularly Detachment VI/1 Samarinda and Sub-Detachment VI/1–4 Penajam Paser Utara. He stressed that illegal coal mining activities pose a serious threat to the ecological integrity of the Teluk Adang Nature Reserve.
Leonardo added that area security and law enforcement remain top priorities and confirmed that investigators will continue to trace and expose other actors involved, including potential corporate entities linked to the illegal mining operation. (*)
