Indonesia investigates 2,000‑ha illegal forest clearing for palm oil in West Kalimantan

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has launched a criminal investigation after a joint operation on 28 June–1 July uncovered about 2,000 hectares of forest in the Sungai Tengar‑Pesaguan Production Forest area of Ketapang, West Kalimantan, that appears to have been occupied for a palm‑oil plantation. investigators seized three excavators, a dump truck, a seed‑transport vehicle and two workers' houses.

Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho said the findings show "activities of opening, occupying and using forest land that appear to be directed toward a palm‑oil plantation." The case has been escalated to prosecution, with potential penalties of up to ten years imprisonment and a Category VI fine for those proven guilty. The ministry emphasized that the case highlights ongoing pressure on Indonesia's forests and the need for stronger on‑the‑ground monitoring.