Forestry Law Enforcement Takes Action Against 9 Hectare Illegal Encroachment in Wajo Production Forest, South Sulawesi
The Sulawesi Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Office, together with the Awota Forest Management Unit Technical Implementation Unit, carried out an enforcement operation against illegal encroachment in a production forest area in Daraga Hamlet, Passelloreng Village, Gilireng District, Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi.
The operation followed up on reports from the Awota Forest Management Unit and the South Sulawesi Provincial Environment and Forestry Office regarding suspected encroachment activities in the production forest area.
Ali Bahri, Head of the Sulawesi Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Office, emphasised that this law enforcement action represents the state’s commitment to protecting forest areas from illegal encroachment practices. “This is a step to ensure that forest area functions remain protected as a life support system,” Ali Bahri stated on Friday, 27 February.
According to him, production forest areas retain an important role in maintaining ecological balance and sustainable forest management. All forms of forest area utilisation must have proper permits and legal basis. “We urge the community not to conduct activities within forest areas without legal authorisation, as the legal consequences are very serious and could potentially cause long-term environmental damage,” Ali Bahri stressed.
During the enforcement operation, the team found two heavy equipment operators, identified as A and SY, who were operating two excavators to clear land. At the same location, a man identified as S was also secured, playing the role of field supervisor. Based on field observation estimates, the area of land clearing was estimated to reach approximately 9 hectares. The land clearing was carried out with the intention of converting the forest area into plantation land. The activity was conducted without legal documents authorising the use of forest areas.
Based on investigation and case review results, S was designated as a suspect for allegedly playing an active role in coordinating and supervising the land clearing activity within the forest area.
The suspect is accused of violating Article 78 paragraph (3) read together with Article 50 paragraph (2) letter a of Law Number 41 of 1999 on Forestry, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 on the Establishment of the Job Creation Omnibus Law, read together with Article 20 of the Criminal Code.
“For his actions, the suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of 5 billion rupiahs,” he concluded. Heavy equipment including excavators and mining equipment were secured as evidence.