Police Bust Illegal Logging Operation in Riau: One Timber Truck Seized, Perpetrator Charged

An illegal logging operation in Siak Kecil District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province, was uncovered by police authorities. During the operation, officers arrested one suspect and seized approximately 5 cubic metres of processed timber, allegedly the product of illegal felling.

Bengkalis Police Chief AKBP Fahrian Saleh Siregar explained that the investigation began with a community report regarding suspected illegal logging timber transportation in the area. Police followed up on the information and intercepted one truck as it travelled along Jalan Sumitro, Dusun Sena, Desa Sungai Linau, Siak Kecil District, on Monday, 9 March.

“Following up on that information, the Criminal Investigation Division (Satreskrim) of Bengkalis Police immediately conducted checks at the location. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found one Colt diesel truck carrying timber cargo,” Fahrian stated in his statement on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

The Criminal Investigation Division, headed by Satreskrim Chief Iptu Yohn Mabel, conducted a search and discovered timber lacking proper documentation or valid permits. During the operation, one male suspect with the initials AF was also apprehended.

Police also secured approximately 5 cubic metres of processed timber, one Colt diesel truck unit, and a mobile phone used for communication. Suspect AF was subsequently brought to Bengkalis Police headquarters for further interrogation.

For his actions, the suspect was charged under Article 88 paragraph (1) letter a in conjunction with Article 16, as well as Article 83 paragraph (1) letter b in conjunction with Article 12 letter e of Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning Job Creation.

Iptu Yohn Mabel added that Bengkalis Police remain committed to taking enforcement action against perpetrators of forest destruction and illegal logging activities that damage the environment and harm the nation’s interests.

“We urge the community not to engage in illegal logging activities and to immediately report to police if they become aware of any forest destruction activities,” said Yohn Mabel.