Illegal logging comes under spotlight, again

An Investigative team from Riau's Natural Resources Conservation Body (BKSDA) have detained 15 truck drivers since Tuesday who were nabbed carrying illegal logs.

According to the team, led by J. Siregar, the drivers have already been declared as suspects. The team has also identified four groups involved in illegal logging practices in the province.

Unfortunately, only the truck drivers were arrested while the masterminds behind the illegal logging operations are still free.

Head of BKSDA in Riau, John Kenedie, acknowledged on Wednesday that based on the questioning of 15 suspects and 45 witnesses, four groups have already been identified but he was reluctant to disclose more information on the groups.

"The investigation into illegal logging is handled by BKSDA, which receives support from the Ministry of Forestry. With that support, we'll find and arrest the masterminds," John said.

Illegal logging has moved back into the spotlight with the recent release of a joint report by the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency and the Indonesian group Telapak, which have accusing the Indonesian Military and other officials of smuggling 300,000 cubic meters of timber a month out of the country. -- JP/Puji Santoso