Enviro News Asia, Labuan Bajo — Indonesia’s efforts to preserve its forests and biodiversity have taken a major step forward with the inauguration of the Forest Law Enforcement Command Center for the Bali and Nusa Tenggara Region in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.
The three-story building, spanning 2,400 square meters, stands as a symbol of the state’s commitment to combat environmental crimes and serves as a front-line outpost to protect forest areas across three provinces: Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.
The inauguration was carried out on Monday (July 7, 2025) by the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, accompanied by the Director General of Forest Law Enforcement (Gakkum), local officials, and representatives from partner institutions. In his speech, the Minister emphasized that the command center represents a tangible manifestation of the government’s commitment to strengthening environmental justice and ensuring the presence of the state in areas vulnerable to environmental crimes.
“Indonesia is a mega-biodiverse country, but we continue to face threats such as deforestation, forest encroachment, and wildlife trafficking. We must not lose. This command center is proof that the state is present—and present with seriousness,” said Raja Juli Antoni in an official statement from the Ministry of Forestry.
He added that strong law enforcement is the foundation of ecological justice. “We cannot talk about social justice without ensuring that ecosystems remain intact. Law enforcement is the first line of defense to safeguard that,” he stated.
The command center will gradually be equipped with various strategic facilities such as a digital control room (situation room), integrated land and marine patrol posts, a field forensic laboratory, and dormitories for rapid response teams.
All forest monitoring systems and public complaint reporting will be centralized at this facility. Its presence in Labuan Bajo—a national super-priority tourism destination—is considered strategic, as it can integrate conservation efforts with green and sustainable economic development.
The Governor of East Nusa Tenggara and the Regent of West Manggarai expressed their readiness to support the center’s operations by providing spatial data, collaborating on joint patrols, and strengthening public education.
The Minister of Forestry also stressed the importance of synergy between ministries, law enforcement agencies, conservation NGOs, and tourism businesses to protect the Wallacea landscape—one of the most unique and biodiversity-rich regions in the world.
Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Forest Law Enforcement, highlighted the increasing complexity of environmental and forestry crime challenges, especially in the Bali and Nusa Tenggara region, which is home to iconic wildlife such as the Komodo dragon. “This building is not just an office, but a command center that will serve as the eyes and ears of forest law enforcement in this strategic region,” he said.
He added that the center will enable swift responses to violations ranging from illegal logging and forest fires to the trafficking of protected wildlife.
“We are building a system that is not only reactive but also proactive, through digital monitoring, cross-sector coordination, and routine patrols. This is our responsibility to future generations—to pass on a sustainable forest,” said the Director General.
Going forward, the Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Forest Law Enforcement, aims to build or upgrade similar command centers in Kalimantan and Papua by 2026.
This move is expected to help reduce deforestation to below 100,000 hectares per year and strengthen law enforcement through a multi-door approach encompassing administrative, civil, criminal, and anti-money laundering measures. (*)
