PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Task Force for Forest Area Control (Satgas PKH) has underlined that its main mission is to restore state forest lands occupied by illegal oil palm plantations and mining operations, rather than immediately pursuing criminal prosecution of offenders.
“Law enforcement in this context is not primarily about sending people to prison. It’s about ensuring that the state regains control of its forests,” said Febrie Adriansyah, Chief Executive of Satgas PKH and Head of the Special Crimes Directorate at the Attorney General’s Office, in Jakarta on Thursday (Aug 28).
Febrie explained that perpetrators are also required to return unlawfully obtained profits to the state. This measure aligns with Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 5 of 2025, which regulates forest area enforcement through administrative fines, state reclamation of forest lands, and asset recovery.
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“Criminal prosecution is the last option. If administrative measures fail, then we will proceed with criminal charges. Of course, this will be carefully reviewed under the relevant legal provisions,” he stressed.
Echoing this stance, National Police Criminal Investigation Chief (Bareskrim) Commissioner General Syahardiantono said the police are prioritizing persuasive, preventive, and preemptive approaches in addressing illegal forest land use. “We want to maintain public order and safety. The police, together with the military, have also prepared security measures on the ground,” he said.
Satgas PKH was formally established under Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025, signed by President Prabowo Subianto on January 21, 2025. The task force has been mandated to take firm action against the misuse of state forest areas for oil palm cultivation and illegal mining. (P2)
