THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CRIMINAL LAW IN ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF ILLEGAL LOGGING IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Illegal logging is a significant environmental crime that severely threatens the sustainability of forests and ecosystems in Indonesia. This illegal activity leads to extensive environmental degradation and increases the risk of natural disasters, including floods and landslides, which can have devastating impacts on local communities. The Indonesian legal framework addresses illegal logging through various regulations, notably Law No. 41 of 1999 on Forestry and the Criminal Code (KUHP). These laws aim to penalize offenders and deter further illegal activities. However, the enforcement of these laws remains problematic due to several challenges. Law enforcement agencies often struggle with limited resources, corruption, and a lack of training, which hinders effective prosecution. Additionally, socio-economic factors, such as poverty and the demand for timber, contribute to the persistence of illegal logging practices. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive juridical analysis of how the Indonesian criminal law system approaches the issue of illegal logging and the effectiveness of its sanctions against offenders.