40 Hectares of TNBBS Core Zone Opened Illegally, Four Suspects Detained

BENGKULU, GARISBUMI.com – The Ministry of Forestry has secured around 40 hectares of the core zone of the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park or TNBBS from illegal activities allegedly related to encroachment, clearing gardens and hunting for animals.

In an operation carried out by the Sumatra Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Center together with the TNBBS Center, Bengkulu BKSDA and Bengkulu Regional Police Mobile Brigade, 12 people were arrested.

After examination and holding a case together with the Bengkulu Regional Police Korwas, four people with the initials TS, HY, SF, and S were named as suspects and detained at the Bengkulu Regional Police Detention Center. Eight other people are still being questioned as witnesses.

This case started with a patrol of the TNBBS Center which discovered activity in the area. The Forestry Police had previously asked those at the location to stop their activities and leave the area, but the warning was not heeded. The TNBBS Center then coordinated with the Forestry Gakkum to take action.

The results of field inspections revealed allegations of clearing of forest areas to become oil palm and coffee plantations. Trees are cut down using a chainsaw, then the area is cleaned by burning. Some locations have been planted with oil palm and coffee, while seeds for future planting were found around the cottage.

Officers also found two huts in the area. One of them measures about 72 square meters and is equipped with solar panels.

The evidence that was secured included nine chainsaws, five chainsaw chains and blades, plantation equipment, nets, fish traps, an air rifle, two homemade firearms and a number of ammunition.