Enviro News Asia, Central Sulawesi — The Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum Kehutanan) for the Sulawesi Region has completed the legal process against a suspect involved in an illegal timber transportation case in Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi.
The suspect, identified as F (25), who acted as the truck driver, was officially transferred to the Donggala District Prosecutor’s Office after prosecutors declared the investigation complete (P-21) on 19 January 2026.
Authorities submitted the suspect along with evidence, including one red Toyota Dyna truck carrying 71 processed timber logs of various sizes and species. The case was forwarded through the Central Sulawesi High Prosecutor’s Office.
The case originated from a joint operation conducted on 27 September 2025 by the Sulawesi Gakkum Forestry team and military police personnel from Denpom TNI XII/2 Palu along the Trans Palu–Tolitoli route. Officers apprehended the suspect on site and secured the timber, transport vehicle, and tarpaulin cover used during the operation. Investigators placed the suspect in detention at Palu Class IIA Detention Center, while the evidence was stored at the Palu Class I State Confiscated Goods Storage Facility (RUPBASAN).
Head of the Sulawesi Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, Ali Bahri, stated that the prosecution reflects the government’s firm commitment to combating forestry crimes.
“This enforcement action demonstrates our determination to take firm measures against illegal activities that harm the state and threaten forest sustainability. Timber transportation must be supported by valid documentation. Without it, the activity clearly violates the law,” Ali Bahri said.
Investigators charged the suspect under Article 83 paragraph (1) letter b in conjunction with Article 12 letter e and/or Article 88 paragraph (1) letter a in conjunction with Article 16 of Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, as amended by Law No. 6 of 2023 on Job Creation, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.
The suspect faces a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to IDR 2.5 billion. (*)
