Government targets illegal mining spread across nearly 192,000 hectares of forest land
Indonesia is stepping up its fight against illegal mining with a sweeping plan to strengthen forest protection forces nationwide. Faced with mounting environmental risks and enforcement gaps, the government is preparing a major boost to on-the-ground monitoring in forest zones.
Massive Illegal Mining Footprint Revealed
Illegal mining has spread extensively across Indonesia’s forest areas, covering a total of 296,807 hectares nationwide. Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki revealed that only 105,017 hectares currently hold valid Forest Area Utilization Permits, leaving 191,790 hectares classified as illegal mining zones. The disclosure was made during a hearing with House of Representatives Commission IV on January 19, 2026.
Licensed Zones and Unregulated Operations
Of the illegal mining areas identified, approximately 104,692 hectares fall within designated Mining Business License Areas, known as WIUP. Meanwhile, another 87,097 hectares operate entirely outside licensed zones. This distinction highlights regulatory loopholes and enforcement challenges facing forest authorities, particularly in remote and resource-rich regions.
Enforcement Efforts Still Limited
The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force, or PKH, has so far secured and enforced regulations across 8,769 hectares of illegal mining land. While progress has been made, this figure represents only a small portion of the total affected area. Authorities confirmed that enforcement operations remain ongoing and aim to eventually cover all illegal mining zones nationwide.
Severe Personnel Shortages on the Ground
Indonesia currently employs only about 4,800 forest police officers, resulting in each officer being responsible for monitoring up to 26,000 hectares of forest. To address this imbalance, the Ministry of Forestry plans to recruit an additional 21,000 officers. Once implemented, the ratio is expected to improve significantly to one officer per 5,000 hectares.
Expanded Infrastructure and Technology Support
To strengthen oversight, the government has established 35 forestry monitoring coordination centers across the country. It has also expanded Technical Implementation Units responsible for enforcement and forest damage control from 10 to 24 units. In addition, drone technology is set to be deployed to support surveillance, data collection, and field operations.
Presidential Backing and Fiscal Considerations
Marzuki confirmed that the proposal for additional personnel has been submitted to President Prabowo Subianto and has received a positive response. The ministry is now coordinating with the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform to discuss implementation details. However, officials emphasized that the rollout will consider the state’s fiscal capacity to ensure sustainability.
Indonesia’s plan to dramatically expand its forest police force marks a decisive step toward restoring forest governance and curbing environmental degradation caused by illegal mining. For neighboring countries like Singapore and regional stakeholders, stronger enforcement helps protect shared ecosystems, supports sustainable resource management, and reinforces Indonesia’s role as a key guardian of Southeast Asia’s forests.
Sources: EN Tempo (2026) , Xinhua (2026)
Keywords: Indonesia Illegal Mining, Forest Police Officers, Forestry Ministry Policy, Environmental Enforcement, Forest Governance
