RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry is promoting the use of drone technology to enhance surveillance of forest areas. The technology accelerates the detection of potential violations such as illegal logging, land clearing, illegal mining, and hotspots, enabling faster field responses.

“Using drones is part of our effort to modernize forest surveillance by combining technology with the work of field officers, such as the Ministry’s Technical Implementation Unit teams, to address emerging problems,” Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said in Jakarta on Monday, July 20, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Drone technology allows for faster and more accurate forest mapping and data collection. Monitoring results will be submitted to the Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) or relevant technical units for follow-up, ensuring potential threats are addressed promptly.

Minister Raja Antoni added that thermal drones can also be used to monitor wildlife in forest areas, supporting both law enforcement and conservation efforts.

The ministry will evaluate the effectiveness of drones currently used by technical units, including those in the Planning and Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAE) division, before deciding whether to add or upgrade equipment.

“We will evaluate the efficiency of existing equipment. If additional tools are needed, we will consider upgrading the capabilities of what we already have,” said Minister Raja Antoni. ***