Ministry of Forestry Names Two Suspects in Illegal Logging of Bukit Tigapuluh National Park Buffer Zone

The Directorate General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry has named two individuals as suspects in an illegal logging operation in the forest buffer zone of Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, Jambi. Head of the Sumatra Region Forestry Law Enforcement Office, Hari Novianto, stated that the case began with a patrol on 7 July 2026, which discovered suspects H and S felling trees in the Sirih-Sirih Limited Production Forest in West Tanjung Jabung Regency. The case handling will not stop with the perpetrators caught at the scene. Investigators are still looking into the possible involvement of other parties, including those who ordered, financed, harboured, or received the timber from these activities. We will ensure the legal process is thorough while strengthening supervision of the Bukit Tigapuluh National Park buffer zone to prevent similar activities from recurring. An individual identified as I, who was also found active in the forest area with suspects H and S, is currently undergoing examination regarding their role in the illegal logging. Head of the Bukit Tigapuluh National Park Office, Gebyar Andyono, explained that the forests surrounding the park, including the Sirih-Sirih Limited Production Forest, serve as a buffer layer that protects the national park ecosystem from pressure. Therefore, logging activities in the Sirih-Sirih Limited Production Forest must be stopped immediately before the damage spreads. The findings from this patrol have been coordinated with the Sumatra Region Forestry Law Enforcement Office for legal processing. He confirmed that patrols in vulnerable areas will be strengthened, coordination with the Production Forest Management Unit and authorities will be enhanced, and local communities will continue to be involved in monitoring and early reporting to protect the area together.