Indonesian authorities seize illegal timber

Police, forestry officials accused in crime

Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, April 17, 2008

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian national police have confiscated some 12,000 cubic meters of illegally logged timber valued at $22.5 million, according to a report in the Jakarta Post.

The raid first occurred around April 5 on Kalimantan Island, otherwise known as Borneo. During the raid, police also reportedly confiscated 19 barges and suspended activity at three sawmills.

All told, 26 suspects were arrested, including local police officers and six officials with the West Kalimantan forestry agency.

The smuggling operation is believed to be run by a so-called Malaysian wood mafia that allegedly sends an estimated 8,000 square meters of tropical woods to Malaysia daily. From there, officials claim, the wood is shipped to Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Japan.

The latest incident is reportedly the first time that Indonesian police and forestry officials have been implicated in helping smugglers of illegally harvested woods. It also is part of the Indonesian government’s plan to put a halt to illegal logging in Borneo.

To read the Jakarta Post story, click here.