Two Suspects Identified in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park Encroachment Case
Two individuals have been named as suspects in a suspected forestry crime involving the illegal occupation and use of forest areas within the Bukit Barasting Selatan National Park (TNBBS), specifically in Dusun Margajaya, Bandar Negeri Suoh, West Lampung. The suspects have been identified by their initials as S (64), the owner of the heavy machinery, and TN (26), the operator.
The designation of suspects follows the transfer of the case from the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park Authority to the Sumatra Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Agency. The Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, stated that illegal access creation within national park areas poses a serious threat to the sustainability of conservation areas, as it can trigger various other forms of forestry crimes.
“Illegal roads opened within conservation areas not only alter the landscape but also potentially serve as gateways for encroachment, illegal logging, wildlife poaching, and various other forestry crimes,” Januanto said in a written statement on Thursday. He added that the prosecution is part of the commitment by the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, to strengthen the protection of conservation areas through consistent law enforcement against all forms of forest encroachment.
He emphasised that law enforcement must serve as an instrument to maintain the integrity of conservation areas while improving forestry governance. “Protecting national parks is not just about preserving trees and wildlife, but also about maintaining the ecological functions that support the lives of current and future generations,” he noted.
The case originated from a Forest Security Operation conducted by the TNBBS Authority. During the operation, officers discovered road construction activities using one hydraulic excavator unit inside the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Officers immediately halted the activity, detained two individuals at the location, and seized the heavy machinery suspected of being used for the illegal activity.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Sumatra Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, Hari Novianto, stated that the use of heavy machinery to open roads within national park areas is a serious violation that must be fully addressed. “We will not stop at securing the perpetrators and evidence. The investigation is directed towards uncovering the purpose of the road construction, the parties who ordered it, the financiers, and all parties benefiting from the activity. Everyone involved will be held legally accountable based on the evidence,” said Hari.
For their actions, S and TN are charged with violating Article 50 paragraph (3) letter a juncto Article 78 paragraph (2) of Law Number 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 (the Job Creation Law), juncto Article 20 letter c of the Criminal Code, and relevant provisions of the Law on Criminal Adjustment.