Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Forestry denied claims that drone restrictions and potential closures of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) are linked to a marijuana plantation found in the park.

“The marijuana plants were discovered in September 2024 as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation by Lumajang Sub-regional Police,” said Satyawan Pudyatmoko, the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation on Wednesday (19/3/2025).

Authorities clarified that drone restrictions follow Government Regulation No. 36 of 2024 and have been enforced in Mount Semeru’s hiking regulation since 2019.

A joint team used drones to locate the hidden plantation, later destroying the plants with police and local community support.

"The police have named four suspects, all from Argosari village, who are now undergoing legal proceedings," Satyawan confirmed, as reported by antaranews.com.

The Ministry pledged to strengthen patrols and monitoring efforts to prevent future illegal activities in the national park.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)