12 Indonesian Governmental Bodies Involved in Illegal Logging, Mining

Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) found at least 12 ministries and other governmental institutions actively involved in illegal logging and mining operations.

"Perpetrators of forest crimes are often called 'unidentified officials', however they commit the crime collectively," said KPK deputy chairman Busyro Muqoddas in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post today.

Donald Fariz, a researcher from of the Indonesian Corruption Watch said officials in the forestry sector take advantage of chaotic permit issuance procedures.

"Many illegal logging activities are supported by security officers. I also think there was corruption in the revision process of Aceh's spatial planning bylaw (RTRW)," Fariz said.

The proposed revision of the Aceh region's RTRW could reduce protected forests, including a tropical forest deemed a World Heritage site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).