Defence Minister: Forest-area enforcement to continue despite resistance

Nabire, Central Papua (ANTARA) – Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stressed that the Indonesian government would continue enforcing rules in forest areas through the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH), despite facing various forms of resistance in carrying out its duties.

“We remain committed to carrying out the task force’s duties and continuing this work, despite the demanding but noble challenges,” Sjafrie said in Nabire, Central Papua, on Thursday.

He said enforcement in forest areas involved 12 ministries and agencies, as well as other parties, to ensure the policy was implemented in accordance with the rules.

The government is committed to continuing the policy to address activities that violate regulations governing the use of forest areas.

“We are aware that there has been a great deal of resistance, but with national unity, based on Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025, God willing, we will resolve everything,” he said.

The revocation of the mining business permit (IUP) held by PT Kristalin Eka Lestari, covering 3,500 hectares, marked the starting point for enforcing rules in forest areas.

The measure is part of efforts to clamp down on mining activities that do not comply with regulations.

The company had also failed to meet its reclamation-guarantee obligations and carry out reclamation as required.

Under a decision dated 12 October 2026 by the Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, in their capacity as Head of the Investment Coordinating Board, the company’s mining business permit was revoked and control of the 3,500-hectare area returned to the state.

The government views enforcement in forest areas as a means of improving natural-resource governance, strengthening compliance with the law and ensuring the use of state assets is conducted in accordance with regulations.