inp.polri.go.id - Aceh. The Central Aceh Sub-regional Police Criminal Investigation Unit Team, succeeded in arresting a village head related to alleged encroachment or destruction of protected forests in the Bur Kelieten area, Central Aceh Regency.
The Central Aceh Sub-regional Police Chief, Superintendent Muhammad Taufik, said the perpetrator is BT (54), a resident of Bintang District, Central Aceh Regency.
"BT was arrested in Rawe Village, Lut Tawar District, Central Aceh Regency, on Sunday (9/21/2025) at around 14.00 pm. Currently, BT is being held at the Central Aceh Sub-regional Police Headquarters for further investigation," he explained on Wednesday (9/24/2025).
Meanwhile, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Central Aceh Sub-regional Police, First Police Inspector Deno Wahyudi, said that BT's arrest was related to alleged destruction of protected forests in the Bur Kelieten area, Bale Nosar Village, Bintang District, Central Aceh Regency.
"BT is suspected of converting the protected forest area into a private plantation. The destruction of the protected forest took place from June 2024 to August 2025," he explained.
Deno said the case was uncovered after investigators discovered illegal logging activities in the protected forest area. The investigation revealed that BT cut down more than 100 trees of various types.
"The felled wood was processed into planks and beams to build huts there. Then, BT also planted half a hectare of land with coffee, avocado, and petai cina plants for personal use without permission," he explained.
For his actions, BT is suspected of Article 92 Paragraph (1) letters a and b of Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning the prevention and eradication of forest destruction as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning job creation.
"The threat of punishment for the perpetrator is a minimum of three years' imprisonment and a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment. As well as a fine of between IDR 1.5 billion and IDR 5 billion," he said.
He further emphasized that protected forests are a vital asset for ecosystem sustainability. Therefore, the public is reminded not to encroach on or cut down trees in protected forest areas to clear land without permission.
"Illegal encroachment on protected forests, besides damaging the environment, is also a criminal act with legal consequences. We urge everyone to work together to preserve forests for the future of future generations," he concluded.
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