Ministry of Forestry Law Enforcement Arrests Illegal Loggers in Kerumutan Wildlife Sanctuary, Riau
The Ministry of Forestry, via the Sumatra Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Office in collaboration with the Riau KSDA Regional Office, conducted a joint forest protection operation in the Kerumutan Wildlife Sanctuary, Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province. During the operation, the team successfully detained three illegal logging perpetrators and seized various pieces of processed timber as evidence.
Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni emphasised that robust, system-based supervision is crucial to ensure illegal timber does not enter the market. He noted that orderly forest product management is essential to optimise Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) and foster healthy business competition. “Orderly governance is vital so that the benefits of forest resources can return to the community and support sustainable prosperity,” stated Raja Juli Antoni.
The operation was carried out in stages. Initially, the team arrested two individuals, identified by the initials E (56) and SH (55), who were transporting timber using a truck from within the Kerumutan sanctuary. Shortly thereafter, the team apprehended a third individual, A (46), who was caught red-handed transporting processed wood on a modified bicycle.
The Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, expressed deep concern as the Kerumutan sanctuary serves as a critical habitat for the Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae). He stated that these illegal activities threaten the existence of this endangered species. “They are seeking personal profit at the expense of the state and the destruction of the ecosystem. Currently, Kerumutan is facing serious threats from illegal logging and poaching. Without firm law enforcement, the Sumatran Tiger faces the risk of extinction,” Dwi asserted.
In addition to the arrests, the operational team conducted a sweep of the forest, discovering illegal encroacher huts. As a decisive measure, officers destroyed these huts along with supporting facilities, including wooden rail tracks used to transport the looted timber.
Following a case review with the Riau Regional Police’s PPNS supervisors, the three individuals have been named suspects. They face charges under Article 40 paragraph (1) letter e in conjunction with Article 19 paragraph (2) letter e of Law No. 32 of 2024 concerning the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems, as well as Law No. 1 of 2026.
The Head of the Sumatra Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Office, Hari Novianto, added that since 2025, five illegal logging suspects have been brought to court from the same location. He has instructed investigators to expand the case to target the intellectual actors and financiers behind these illegal activities. The three suspects are currently being held at the Class I Pekanbaru Detention Centre to undergo further legal proceedings.