Irsyan Hasyim, Jakarta – The Law Enforcement Agency for Forestry in the Kalimantan Region, together with the Conservation and Natural Resources Agency (BKSDA) of East Kalimantan and the Denpom VI/1-4 Military Police in Penajam Paser Utara, have taken action against four heavy excavator units and one truck that were found conducting unauthorized coal mining activities within the Teluk Adang Conservation Area in the Paser Regency of East Kalimantan Province.
The team also apprehended four individuals, namely PT (38), J (24), GM (32), and W (55). These individuals were caught in the act of coal mining activities (stripping, excavation, and coal loading). The investigators have since declared these individuals as suspects and have placed them in detention at the Samarinda City Police Station.
The Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, has reaffirmed the commitment to uphold the law against individuals and corporations engaged in activities that cause environmental damage within conservation areas. This reflects the government's commitment to preserving the sovereignty of forest areas in line with their designated functions.
"Collaboration and synergy between conservation area managers and law enforcement agencies, including the Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement within the region, are crucial in strengthening the protection and security of these areas to curb the degradation of forest areas in Indonesia," stated Dwi Januanto in a press release on Sunday, 14th December 2025.
The four suspects are charged with multiple offenses under Article 89 in conjunction with Article 17 of Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp5 billion.
Leonardo Gultom, the Head of the Regional Forest Law Enforcement Office for Kalimantan, stated that the success of this operation was made possible through excellent collaboration with BKSDA East Kalimantan and the VI Mulawarman Military Command (POMDAM VI), particularly the VI/1 Smd Military Police Detachment and the VI/1-4 Sub-Denpom in Penajam Paser Utara.
He emphasized the significance of this step in protecting conservation areas in East Kalimantan, particularly the Teluk Adang Conservation Area, from illegal coal mining activities that are certain to cause serious damage.
"Securing these areas and upholding the law are of utmost importance and are among our top priorities. We will delve deeper into and expose other actors and individuals, both individuals and corporations, involved in these illegal activities," stated Leonardo.