Police in Riau province seized 300 cubic meters of timber products in the Indragiri Hulu and Indragiri Hilir regencies, highlighting ongoing illegal logging in the region.
Operation Timeline
The timber stacks were first spotted by Riau Police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Jossy Kusumo from a helicopter on Nov. 21, where they were seen neatly arranged along a peatland canal. He forwarded a video and GPS coordinates to Indragiri Hulu Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Fahrian S. Siregar.
Fahrian ordered detective chief Adj. Comr. Arthur Josua Toreh to assemble three verification teams. The first team, led by First Insp. Awet L. Nainggolan and Second Insp. Riki Rahmadi, set out on Nov. 28 via a 12‑kilometer land route through Sukajadi village, Kuala Cenaku district, navigating rough terrain.
According to Fahrian, the team “had to open its own way and walked for hours through bush and dense forests.” The search was halted after dark, and the team returned to ensure safety.
The following day, a second team resumed the investigation inside PT Sumatra Riang Lestari’s concession area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What quantity of timber was seized?
Police confiscated 300 cubic meters of timber products in the two regencies.
Who initiated the investigation?
Deputy chief Brig. Gen. Jossy Kusumo reported the stacks after an aerial observation, prompting police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Fahrian S. Siregar to launch field verification.
What difficulties did the first verification team encounter?
The team had to clear its own path through bush and dense forest and halted the search at night due to lack of light, returning for safety.
How might authorities improve their response to illegal logging in such terrain?
