RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has uncovered a major illegal logging operation in Makassar, South Sulawesi, seizing 544 logs of high-value Kumea wood (Manilkara merrilliana).

The operation took place at Soekarno-Hatta Port on Friday, January 23, 2026, when officers intercepted a truck driver attempting to bypass forestry documentation requirements.

The arrest followed a tip-off about an undocumented shipment traveling from Baubau Port in Southeast Sulawesi to South Sulawesi. When confronted by forestry law enforcement officers, the driver, identified only as R, initially claimed the truck was carrying dried seaweed.

A subsequent inspection revealed the cargo was, in fact, Kumea timber. Although the driver presented a transport note, forestry experts confirmed the document was invalid for this type of wood.

Under Indonesian law, the transport of Kumea must be accompanied by a Certificate of Legality for Forest Products (SKSHHKO), issued through the government’s SIPUHH-ONLINE system.

Ali Bahri, head of the Sulawesi Forestry Law Enforcement Office, emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal timber. “This action demonstrates the state’s commitment to preserving forests and enforcing forestry laws,” he said on Monday, January 26, 2026, as quoted by Antara. He added that authorities would continue investigating to expose other parties involved, including the timber’s owner.

Investigators have since named R as a suspect. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 2.5 billion (approximately USD 149,000). During questioning, R admitted he was acting under the instructions of H, the alleged owner of the timber based in Maros Regency, South Sulawesi.

Authorities are now mapping the timber supply chain to trace its origin in Southeast Sulawesi and dismantle the wider network behind the illegal harvest.

Kumea is a rare hardwood native to Sulawesi and surrounding regions. Its durability and quality make it highly sought after for furniture and construction. Because of its economic value, it is vulnerable to overexploitation and illegal trade.

Since 2009, Indonesia has implemented the SVLK (Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu), which requires all timber products to be traceable and certified as legal.

For Kumea wood, the mandatory document is the SKSHHKO (Certificate of Legality for Forest Products), issued through the government’s SIPUHH-ONLINE system. This ensures that the wood comes from authorized sources and not from illegal logging operations.

Without proper documentation, timber can be laundered into supply chains, fueling deforestation and harming ecosystems. Legal documents act as proof that the wood was harvested sustainably and in accordance with forestry regulations. ***