Forestry Ministry: Law enforcement strengthens forest protection

The Ministry of Forestry has affirmed that law enforcement is the government’s effort to strengthen the protection of forest areas and the sustainability of Indonesia’s forests and natural resources. “Preserving the forest ecosystem is a shared responsibility. In line with the directive of the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, the Ministry of Forestry continues to strengthen prevention, supervision, and law enforcement efforts against all illegal activities in forest areas,” said Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday. One recent law enforcement action carried out by the Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement was the cessation of unlicensed gold mining activities in the Mobungayom Limited Production Forest area, Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi. During a joint operation in July 2026, the Sulawesi Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Office secured one excavator unit used for mining activities and five individuals at the site. Based on the investigation results, two people have been named as suspects. The action was a follow-up to public reports regarding suspected unlicensed gold mining activities within the forest area. “Law enforcement not only aims to stop ongoing violations but also to ensure that forest areas continue to perform their ecological functions and to provide a deterrent effect so that similar crimes do not recur,” said Dwi Januanto. “Collaboration between the government, law enforcement officials, and the community is key to keeping forests sustainable for present and future generations,” he added. Dwi further stated that this law enforcement measure is part of Minister Raja Antoni’s directive to strengthen forest area protection through prevention, supervision, and action against every form of violation in forest areas. “The Ministry of Forestry also continues to encourage public participation in conveying information regarding suspected illegal activities as part of a joint effort to preserve Indonesia’s forests and the sustainability of its natural resources,” he said.