Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Forest Law Enforcement (Ditjen Gakkum), in coordination with a Joint Task Force, has taken action against illegal mining activities in the limited production forest area of Mount Karang, Klapanunggal District, Bogor Regency, West Java.
The joint operation was carried out by the Watershed Rescue Task Force (Satgas Penyelamatan DAS), together with the Directorate General of Forestry Planning, the Indonesian Military Police Center (Puspom TNI), the Coordinator of Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS), the Mobile Brigade (Brimob), and the Bogor Regency Public Works and Housing Office on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Following an investigation, strong indications were found that the forest area had been used for unlicensed limestone (karst) mining.
During the operation, Ditjen Gakkum secured 9 excavators, 3 dump trucks, and 9 worker witnesses who were present at the site.
Rudianto Saragih, Director of Forestry Crime Enforcement, stated that this operation is part of the Ministry’s swift response to prevent further forest destruction and serious environmental impacts.
“This operation is the Ministry of Forestry’s rapid response to the misuse of forest areas in order to prevent broader damage such as the floods that struck Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) in early 2025,” said Rudianto in an official statement.
Rudianto further explained that four illegal mining sites were identified in the upstream area of the Bekasi watershed, causing environmental damage to approximately 50 hectares.
The depth of the excavations reached between 10 and 20 meters, significantly altering the contours of Mount Karang.
The Directorate General of Forest Law Enforcement will continue to investigate all parties involved in the illegal activities within the forest area.
If criminal elements are found, legal proceedings will be pursued.
“The legal consequences for these violations include a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of IDR 7.5 billion.
Civil Servant Investigators from Ditjen Gakkum will follow up with judicial proceedings,” Rudianto asserted.
Dwi Januanto, Director General of Forest Law Enforcement, emphasized that the Ministry of Forestry will continue to act firmly against permit misuse and violations in forest areas.
He also added that this crackdown is part of the government’s commitment to environmental protection and the conservation of Indonesia’s forests. (*)
