Ministry of Forestry arrests two illegal loggers in South Lampung protected forest

Jakarta - Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) and the Lampung Provincial Forestry Department (Dishut) have apprehended two illegal logging perpetrators in the Batu Serampok Register 17 Protected Forest area in South Lampung Regency.

According to confirmation from Jakarta on Monday, Head of the Ministry of Forestry’s Sumatra Law Enforcement Regional Office, Hari Noianto, stated that they, along with Dishut Lampung, secured suspects NRM and DP who conducted illegal logging on Thursday (21/5) and have been designated as suspects.

‘We hope this law enforcement will have a strong deterrent effect on other perpetrators across Lampung. No one should use economic excuses as justification for damaging the environment while ignoring ecological aspects and forest sustainability that affect the livelihoods of many,’ said Hari Novianto.

He explained that the suspect with initials NRM is a repeat offender, previously apprehended by authorities and given a stern warning for activities within the conservation area. Meanwhile, DP is the driver transporting the illegally logged timber.

Both were apprehended after NRM entered the protected forest on 21 May 2026, and felled around 30 trees. The illegal timber was then transported by DP before authorities apprehended the suspects and seized evidence.

From the operation, 62 pieces of mixed tropical timber, a chainsaw, a machete, and the transport vehicle were seized.

Hari stated that the suspects face up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp2.5 billion.