PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), led by Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolon, are actively supporting the enforcement operation targeting illegal palm oil plantations in forest areas. The operation, conducted by the Garuda Task Force for Forest Area Enforcement (Satgas Garuda PKH), aims to reclaim state-owned forest land for the benefit of the public.
Lt. Gen. Richard clarified that the TNI’s role is not to take over law enforcement duties, but to support the effectiveness of the operation and reduce the potential for conflict on the ground. Law enforcement remains under the jurisdiction of the police and prosecutors, while the military provides security to ensure smooth and safe operations.
“Our involvement is based on Article 7, Paragraph 2 of Law No. 34 of 2004 on the TNI, which states that one of the tasks of Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) is to assist the government in law enforcement and maintaining public order,” said Richard, formerly Commander of Joint Regional Defense Command III, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from infosumbar.net on Monday (March 31, 2025).
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The Garuda PKH Task Force has taken action against several plantation companies operating in forest areas, including PT Agro Bukit (3,798.9 hectares), PT Mulia Agro Permai (1,276 hectares), PT Mananjung Hayak (1,728 hectares), and PT GAP (12,069.39 hectares). The operation spans 19 provinces, from North Sumatra to Papua.
Between February 24 and March 18, 2025, the task force successfully reclaimed 317,000 hectares of forest land. In Central Kalimantan alone, around 312,000 hectares were identified as being under irregular or unauthorized control. Lt. Gen. Richard noted that hundreds of thousands more hectares remain targeted for enforcement in the coming phases.
“These lands are being returned to the state to support public welfare, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision and mission. This is tangible evidence of the state’s presence in resolving regional land issues comprehensively,” he stated.
Beyond restoring state assets, the operation also aims to accelerate environmental protection efforts and promote sustainable forest land use.
“This is not just about law enforcement—it’s about preserving the environment and ensuring that state land is used for the right purposes,” Richard added. He is also known for his role as Chairman of the Indonesian Taekwondo Federation (PB TI). (P2)
