TNI officer caught with illegal logs

BANDA ACEH: The Aceh Martial Law Administration confirmed on Friday the involvement of a middle-ranking Indonesian Military (TNI) officer in illegal logging, which has reportedly become more widespread since the imposition of martial law last year.

Deputy commander of operations Brig. Gen. Suroyo Gino caught the officer in the act of guarding a dozen trucks transporting illegal logs from Aceh Singkil to North Sumatra.

"The deputy commander, who was in Aceh Singkil, was suspicious of the trucks and ordered his subordinates to stop the convoy. The drivers could not show any permits and the officer was caught in one of the trucks," said Col. Ditya Soedarsono, Aceh administration spokesman.

The TNI officer was identified as Naz, a member of the 012/Teuku Umar military resort command in Meulaboh, West Aceh.

The trucks are being held by the military and the officer is being interrogated, Ditya said, adding that the officer had betrayed the military administration, which is conducting a reforestation program across Aceh.

Ditya called on all military personnel to support the Aceh military administration by observing all rules so as not to disrupt operations.

Environmentalists have warned that the military operation in Aceh has accelerated illegal logging in the province. -- Antara