Enviro News Asia, East Kalimantan — Forestry law enforcement authorities have completed the investigation files of a key suspect involved in illegal coal mining activities inside the Bukit Soeharto Grand Forest Park (Tahura Bukit Soeharto), East Kalimantan, marking a significant step in efforts to combat environmental crimes within protected forest areas.
Investigators from Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum Kehutanan) for the Kalimantan Region confirmed that the case dossier of MH (37), identified as the main financier and operational controller of the illegal mining operation, has been declared complete (P-21) by the East Kalimantan High Prosecutor’s Office on 29 December 2025.
MH is accused of ordering and financing illegal coal extraction activities carried out in 2022 by four heavy-equipment operators inside the Tahura Bukit Soeharto area, which is also part of the green belt zone surrounding the Samboja Reservoir and falls within the delineation of Indonesia’s new capital area, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN).
Head of the Kalimantan Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Office, Leonardo Gultom, stated that the completion of the case reflects firm commitment to dismantling organized illegal mining networks operating in forest conservation zones.
“This achievement demonstrates strong inter-agency coordination between Forestry Law Enforcement, the Criminal Investigation Department of the National Police, and the Prosecutor’s Office. Such collaboration is essential in addressing complex forestry crimes,” Leonardo said.
The case originated from a sting operation conducted on 4 February 2022 by the SPORC Enggang Task Force, which apprehended four excavator operators actively mining coal illegally within the forest park. While the operators were processed earlier, MH evaded capture and was listed as a fugitive for nearly three years before being arrested.
Following the completion of the investigation, the suspect and evidence—including four excavators—will be transferred to prosecutors for trial proceedings. MH faces charges under Article 78 of Indonesia’s Forestry Law (Law No. 41/1999), carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to IDR 5 billion.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, emphasized that enforcement actions against illegal mining in conservation forests, particularly within the IKN area, will continue without compromise.
“This law enforcement effort aims to deter future violations and protect forest ecosystems from severe ecological damage. We remain committed to safeguarding forest areas from illegal exploitation,” he said. (*)
