Indonesian Ministry of Forestry Prosecutes Corporation for Forest Encroachment

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has taken a significant step by naming a corporation as a suspect in the alleged encroachment of the Tanjung Piayu Protected Forest in Batam, Riau Islands. This move signals a firm stance on holding businesses accountable for environmental damage, extending legal action beyond field operatives to the corporate entities themselves.

The corporation is accused of illegally clearing protected forest land using heavy equipment. This activity resulted in the opening of approximately 1.98 hectares of land, including the construction of roads measuring about 897 meters long and 7 to 11 meters wide. Excavated material was reportedly used as landfill, further damaging the forest's ecological functions.

Investigators from the Forestry Law Enforcement Center for Sumatra and the Riau Islands Regional Police have been examining the case. They have interviewed 12 witnesses and consulted two experts in mapping, forest confirmation, and environmental damage. Following an evidence review on July 21, 2026, and securing sufficient legal proof, the corporation was officially named a suspect.

Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho stated that prosecuting corporations is crucial for strengthening forest governance. He emphasized that legal accountability must extend to corporations that control, benefit from, or are responsible for forest encroachment. This ensures legal certainty, protects forest areas, and promotes responsible resource management, aligning with sustainable practices.