PALMOILMAGAZINE, KETAPANG – The Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of Ketapang Police has arrested two individuals involved in the mass theft of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) from the oil palm plantation of PT Budidaya Agro Lestari (BAL), located in Marau District, Ketapang Regency. The suspects, identified by their initials YM (42) and CW (65), were caught in the act during the theft on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at around 7:00 PM local time.
AKP Ryan Eka Cahya, Head of the Ketapang Police Criminal Investigation Unit, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were apprehended by a joint team consisting of police personnel and the company’s security patrol unit. The suspects allegedly acted in coordination with several other individuals, illegally harvesting and transporting palm fruit in bulk.
“Following the report, our joint team promptly arrived at the scene and successfully secured the two suspects along with evidence, including two mobile phones, two weighing slips, one delivery letter, two dump trucks, and 13 tons of fresh fruit bunches (FFB),” said AKP Ryan Eka Cahya, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from aksaraloka.com on Monday (March 31, 2025).
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The two individuals have been named as suspects and are now facing charges under Article 107(d) of Law No. 39/2014 on Plantations, as well as Article 363(1)-4 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) concerning aggravated theft. Police investigations are ongoing to determine whether other parties were involved in this coordinated theft.
Ketapang Police Chief, AKBP Setiadi, reiterated the department’s commitment to taking firm legal action against all forms of criminal activity, including plantation-related theft. He also urged the public to refrain from engaging in illegal activities that harm others and disrupt regional security.
“The police are handling this case professionally and transparently, based on the facts and legal evidence gathered on-site,” said AKBP Setiadi.
He further emphasized that any form of vigilantism or organized criminal behavior, whether by individuals or groups, will be dealt with according to the law. The police encouraged the community to remain calm and allow the legal process to proceed without provocation.
“We urge all parties to respect the legal process and not be influenced by provocations that could escalate the situation,” AKBP Setiadi concluded. (P2)
