inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. Riau Regional Police, from January to early July 2025, successfully uncovered 27 forestry crimes, including illegal logging and the illegal clearing of oil palm plantations in forest areas.

"From these disclosures, 24 people have been named suspects, with a total area of ​​land encroached reaching 2,225 hectares," said Riau Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan in his statement on Tuesday (7/8/2025).

He explained that the perpetrators' primary motive was to clear land for oil palm plantations and emphasized that the police are continuing to investigate similar cases, especially those occurring in conservation areas.

"We are focusing on areas prone to encroachment, such as Rimbang Baling, Bukit Tigapuluh, and Zamrud. We have mapped these locations together with the Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK), the Forest Area Management Agency (BPKH), and the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA)," he explained.

The Riau Regional Police acknowledge that law enforcement in the forestry sector cannot be carried out alone. Therefore, cross-sectoral collaboration is key, including accurate mapping of forest area boundaries.

"We are committed to enforcing the law impartially. The Riau Regional Police also fully support the central government's policies to preserve forests," he emphasized.

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