Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – The Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police, along with the Directorate General of Law Enforcement of the Ministry of Forestry, is investigating a suspected case of illegal logging that may be behind the floods in Sumatra. Suspicion arose after the flood swept away numerous large logs.

Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that a team has been deployed to the locations where the logs were found. "There are potentials that we need to follow up on because there are allegations of violations," said Listyo on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, also stated that they have conducted direct checks of the discovered logs. "We already have preliminary data," Raja Juli said on the same occasion.Logs were found neatly cut

According to the Police Chief, the logs found after the Sumatra floods were neatly cut. "We found some of the logs had marks indicating machine cut," Listyo mentioned.

Listyo stated that these logs will be determined by further investigation of the field findings. "We will delve into this," Listyo told reporters.

Suspected violations

The Police Chief also revealed suspicions of violations behind the Sumatra flood. "There were findings of logs that are suspected to be related to violations," said Listyo.

The logs are also suspected to be from activities that contributed to the environmental damage that caused the disaster. However, Listyo did not elaborate further on the violations he was referring to.

Dozens of companies suspected to be involved

Meanwhile, the Minister of Forestry announced that 20 companies suspected of being involved in the disaster have been identified. "The identification of legal entities that may be involved has been conducted," said Raja Juli.

Raja Juli did not disclose the names of these companies. However, he ensured that to date, these dozens of companies have not yet been investigated. "They have not been examined yet," said the minister.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2071125/initial-findings-point-to-illegal-logging-behind-sumatra-flood