SUKA MAKMUE The Aceh Green Apple Foundation urges relevant parties to take firm action against cases of illegal logging which are still rampant in Aceh, especially in Beutong Ateuh Benggalang District, Nagan Raya.

This was conveyed following a joint operation carried out by the Forest Management Unit (KPH) Region IV team together with Denpom IM/2 Meulaboh and the Nagan Raya Police on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

During the operation, authorities discovered approximately 20 cubic meters of processed wood, five workers' huts, and a number of illegal logging tools. Although the perpetrators fled, all evidence was destroyed at the scene.

APEL Green Aceh considers this illegal logging practice extremely disturbing, as it allegedly involves certain parties supporting the activity. "This joint operation is a positive step, but it must be followed by firm law enforcement.

"If it is true that there are actors behind this activity, they must be investigated without discrimination," said the Director of the Aceh Green Apple Foundation, Rahmad Syukur, Thursday (21/8/2025).

APEL Green Aceh also stated that it would report this case to the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Indonesian National Police Headquarters to encourage serious attention from national law enforcement.

This is considered crucial to strengthening the protection of protected forest areas that serve as ecological strongholds for the people of Nagan Raya. “Forest destruction is the beginning of disasters. The impacts, such as floods, landslides, and the loss of clean water sources, will directly harm the community. Therefore, illegal logging must be stopped immediately,” added Syukur. This is considered crucial to strengthening the protection of protected forest areas that serve as ecological strongholds for the people of Nagan Raya. “Forest destruction is the beginning of disasters. The impacts, such as floods, landslides, and the loss of clean water sources, will directly harm the community. Therefore, illegal logging must be stopped immediately,” added Syukur.

APEL Green Aceh invites all communities, government officials, and law enforcement officials to strengthen collaboration in protecting forests, especially in areas prone to encroachment such as Beutong Ateuh and Kila.(*)