The suspect, BS, was arrested because he allegedly operated in a forest area without a proper permit from the Environment and Forestry Ministry.

Jambi Police spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Kuswahyudi Tresnadi said the arrest took place in Pasir Mayang village, Koto VII district, Tebo regency.

BS is accused of clearing land illegally in an area demarcated as a concession area for plantation company Lestari Asri Jaya.

“From the results of the investigation, we believe the suspect is guilty of opening up a plantation in a forest without a permit,” said Kuswahyudi on Monday.

He said BS had self-funded and conducted illegal logging activities since 2012.

The land cleared by the suspect covers 80 hectares of area and has now become an oil palm plantation.

The police also confiscated two grass-cutting machines, two oil palm bunch harvest tools, locally known as dodos, two chopping knives and an oil palm planting tool, or egrek, as evidence during the arrest.

BS was taken to the headquarters of the Jambi Police for further investigation.

“BS is suspected of having committed an environmental crime,” said Kuswahyudi. (ebf)