Investigators from the Directorate of Certain Criminal Acts at Indonesia’s National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, known as Bareskrim Polri, are continuing their probe into dozens of logs found drifting after a flash flood in Darul Mukhlisin, Aceh Tamiang. The logs are now believed to be a strong indication of illegal logging activities that may have damaged protected forest areas.
The Director of Certain Criminal Acts at Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Moh. Irhamni, explained that investigators have been matching and tracing the logs by following the water flow that carried them downstream. This step is aimed at identifying the original source of the timber.
“Based on our initial identification, there is a strong possibility that these logs came from land-clearing activities in protected forest areas, such as the Serba Jadi Protected Forest or the Simpang Jernih Protected Forest,” Brig. Gen. Irhamni told reporters on Tuesday, January 6, 2025.
He added that the investigation is still ongoing. The team is actively gathering more data and field information to determine whether the case can be upgraded to a formal criminal investigation. If the logs are confirmed to be the result of illegal logging, firm legal action will follow in accordance with the law.
Brig. Gen. Irhamni also expressed his appreciation to local community leaders and regional authorities for their cooperation and the information they have provided so far. According to him, community involvement plays a crucial role in protecting forests and preventing further environmental damage.
He stressed that forest destruction, whether carried out legally or illegally, has serious environmental consequences. However, if the damage is proven to be illegal, it will certainly lead to strict legal consequences.
This case serves as a reminder that forest degradation does not only harm the environment but can also trigger natural disasters such as flash floods. Law enforcement agencies are expected to continue working closely with local communities to safeguard forest areas and ensure they remain sustainable for future generations.
