Indonesian govt tightens security at fire-hit forest sites

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry is tightening security at fire-affected forest sites in Central Kalimantan, installing warning signs and prohibiting unauthorized activities.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said on Sunday the measures aim to strengthen protection and prevent illegal activities in areas vulnerable to unauthorized use.

“The signs are part of the ministry’s efforts to secure areas that have been sanctioned and require monitoring and restoration,” Raja Juli said.

The signs have been installed at several sites within forest areas held under Forest Utilization Business Permits (PBPH) previously sanctioned by the ministry.

The sanctions include permit suspensions and orders requiring companies to restore damaged forest ecosystems.

Post-fire conditions can make the sanctioned areas more vulnerable to illegal activities, including logging. Security measures must therefore combine enforcement with clear notices on restrictions, he said.

“These measures are expected to strengthen controls over activities in the field and prevent further pressure on forest areas,” Raja Juli said.

He said limited resources, including forest rangers, should not be an excuse for weakening efforts to protect forests.

He said monitoring should instead be smarter and more targeted, with authorities identifying areas at high risk of illegal logging.

“Resource constraints must not stop us from doing everything possible to protect our forests. We must work smarter and more strategically, identifying areas vulnerable to illegal logging,” he said.

Raja Juli said President Prabowo Subianto was strongly committed to forest protection, citing plans to expand the forest ranger force.

“President Prabowo has decided to bring in a new generation of young people, expanding the forest ranger force to 70,000 personnel,” Raja Juli said.