Two People Named as Suspects in Illegal Logging in Jembrana Protected Forest

Police have named two people, identified by the initials IGKL and IGS, as suspects in an illegal logging case in the Banjar Pengajaran Kaler protected forest, Berangbang Village, Negara District, Jembrana Regency, Bali.

Jembrana Police Chief AKBP Cheery Sinta Maygrand Simamora said the two suspects were accused of violating Article 82(1)(b) in conjunction with Article 12(b) of Law No. 18/2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, as amended by Law No. 6/2023.

“The maximum penalty is five years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine in category IV,” Cheery said at a case announcement at the Jembrana regency government auditorium on Thursday (22 October 2026).

Under the latest criminal provisions, a category IV fine amounts to a maximum of Rp200 million.

The case came to light after a video of trees being felled went viral on social media. Following an investigation, police found two logging sites in the protected forest, along with 42 tree stumps.

“Based on the initial examination, both suspects admitted cutting trees to clear land, plant productive crops and use the timber to build a hut in the forest,” Cheery said.

Police also seized 23 processed bayur timber pieces, one log of RC timber, a chainsaw, a sickle and a power saw.

“We are continuing the investigation and coordinating with forestry experts. We also urge the public not to cut down trees in forest areas without the permits required under the applicable regulations,” Cheery said.