2,000 Hectares of Forest Encroachment in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, Suspected for Palm Oil Plantations

Indonesian authorities have uncovered significant forest encroachment in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, with approximately 2,000 hectares of protected forest suspected of being cleared for palm oil plantations. The discovery was made in the Sungai Tengar–Pesaguan Production Forest area.

A joint operation conducted from June 28 to July 1, 2026, led to the seizure of evidence including three excavators, one dump truck, a vehicle for transporting seedlings, and two worker dwellings. This operation has now advanced to the investigation stage, signaling a serious crackdown on illegal land use.

Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, stated that the findings indicate unauthorized clearing, occupation, and use of forest areas, likely for palm oil cultivation. He emphasized that the presence of heavy machinery, worker housing, and prepared seedlings signifies more than a minor violation, representing a deliberate effort to convert forest areas into plantations without legal process.

Forestry investigators are working to uncover the full extent of the operation and identify all individuals and entities involved. The investigation aims to hold all responsible parties accountable under forestry laws, which carry penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and significant fines. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing pressures on Indonesia's forest areas and the need for strengthened on-the-ground surveillance.