Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry felled 11,180 oil palm trees across an 88-hectare illegal plantation inside the Lamandau Wildlife Sanctuary in Sukamara District, Central Kalimantan, as part of efforts to mitigate wildfire risks.
In a statement received here on Tuesday, Director of Forestry Criminal Enforcement Rudianto Saragih Napitu said the ministry worked with the military, police, prosecutors, local authorities, and residents to carry out the operation after 43 parties agreed to voluntarily cease activities at the illegal plantation.
“We are deeply concerned about the wildfires affecting the Lamandau Wildlife Sanctuary because this area is characterized by a peatland ecosystem that is highly vulnerable to degradation and recurring fires,” he said.
Napitu stressed the importance of ending illegal oil palm cultivation to support ecosystem recovery and restore the area’s function as a conservation zone.
He expressed appreciation to the Sukamara district head, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders involved in the enforcement effort, while assuring the public that the ministry is continuing internal coordination to initiate ecosystem restoration measures.
Furthermore, he expressed hope that the initiative would encourage other illegal growers to withdraw from conservation areas and warned that authorities would take legal action against persistent violators.
Dwi Januarto Nugroho, the ministry’s director general of law enforcement, commended the illegal growers for voluntarily relinquishing their claims to the area and thanked local communities for supporting the operation.
“Beyond the felling of 11,000 oil palm trees there lies a greater value, the growing awareness of the importance of respecting the law and protecting nature. Support from local communities and traditional leaders shows that forest protection requires the involvement of all parties,” he said.
The ministry is following up on the palm removal by coordinating across its work units to prepare restoration measures for the 88 hectares of affected land.
The measures will include planting endemic species to increase vegetation cover, restore wildlife habitats, and rehabilitate the area’s hydrological functions.
To prevent illegal activities from recurring, the ministry is committed to strengthening oversight and monitoring efforts.
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Translator: P.T. Violleta, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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