Alleged Nabire–Surabaya Wood Washing, Legality of 23 Containers Examined

SURABAYA, GARISBUMI.com – Transport documents are one of the focuses of investigations into suspected laundering of wood from Nabire, Central Papua, to Surabaya. Initial inspection of 23 containers secured at Tanjung Perak Port found merbau wood as well as indications of documents that were suspected to be inappropriate or fake.

This case leads to allegations of attempts to make wood from illegal sources appear legitimate through the issuance of documents, so that it can enter the trade chain. The origin of the wood, suitability of the cargo, and the roles of the sender and recipient are still being studied.

The Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Center together with the Indonesian Navy V Regional Command secured the container at the Berlian Terminal, Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya, Tuesday (20/10/2026), at around 20.00 WIB. The cargo was sent from Nabire using the Tanto Permai ship.

According to information from the Ministry of Forestry, the calculation of the total number and volume of wood in the 23 containers is still ongoing.

From findings in Nabire to inspection at the port

The investigation began with the operations of the Maluku and Papua Regional Gakkumhut Center towards the CV Palu Perdana wood processing industry in Nabire on October 14 2026.

At that location, officers found piles of merbau wood of various sizes that were not accompanied by legal documents. Information regarding wood shipments to Surabaya then directed officers to the 23 containers.

Investigations in Nabire also found allegations of discrepancies in the loading location with the location stated in the document, measurements were not carried out by authorized technical personnel, as well as allegations of the use of scanned signatures on transportation documents.