Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has established cooperation with the Indonesian National Police, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Minister of Forestry and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo at the National Police Headquarters on Monday (February 17, 2025). The signing of the MoU follows up on a previous meeting held in November 2024.
“We fully understand that the challenges in the forestry sector are enormous, especially with the dry season increasing the risk of forest fires. That is why one of the agreed points is cooperation in protecting our forests,” said Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni to the media after signing the MoU.
Raja Antoni stated that, given the limited human resources available, cooperation with the National Police—which has an extensive network reaching remote villages and grassroots levels—will be highly beneficial in protecting forests from the threats of wildfires and crimes against protected wildlife.
“Through this Memorandum of Understanding, we will collaborate, synergize, and work together to protect our forests and maximize their function for the welfare of the people, as always emphasized by President Prabowo Subianto,” said Raja Antoni.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo added that this MoU is crucial and strategic for carrying out field operations. The five-year cooperation agreement is part of efforts to address various issues, including forest and land fires.
“There must be joint action in enforcing laws related to forest and land fires, as these incidents often involve deliberate acts by certain individuals,” he said.
Regarding legal violations in the forestry sector, the National Police Chief stated that the police are ready to assist in saving the forests. The police also support the Ministry of Forestry in implementing food security programs.
