Indonesia: Court convicts logger – victory for the Leuser Ecosystem
A court has sentenced a logger to prison and imposed a heavy fine for illegal logging in the Nagan Raya rainforest within the Leuser Ecosystem – a victory for the forests, Indigenous communities, and all who work to protect nature.
The ruling of the Suka Makmue District Court in Sumatra, Indonesia, is a landmark ruling against forest crimes in the region.
A success for nature and Indigenous peoples
Years of effort by environmental organizations, Indigenous communities, and independent observers who have worked tirelessly to enforce laws against forest crimes made this possible. They are the ones tracking illegal logging, gathering evidence, and bringing cases to court.
In Nagan Raya, 25 large logs, already labeled for sale, were confiscated. The forest police also seized several documents as evidence.
This ruling is a moral and legal victory for the people and nature. It proves that the law can still work to protect forests,”
explains Syukur, director of the environmental organization APEL Green Aceh.
Stopping forest crimes together
Rainforests and peatlands characterize the Nagan Raya district in the western part of the Leuser Ecosystem. This last great forest area on Sumatra is home to orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and elephants. Although the Leuser Ecosystem and its endangered wildlife are legally protected, environmental crimes such as illegal logging, mining, and oil palm plantations usually go unpunished.
Our partner APEL Green Aceh has launched a participatory monitoring program to uncover illegal deforestation. Together with Indigenous communities and the forestry office, and with support from Rainforest Rescue, conservationists track and document illegal activities, analyze satellite data, and submit evidence to law enforcement. For the first time, a district court has now ruled in favor of nature conservation.
In addition, APEL Green Aceh, supported by Rainforest Rescue, is taking concrete steps to protect the forests. Together with village committees, Indigenous groups, and regional authorities, they patrol forests and peatlands, bring the destruction to public attention, and reforest degraded areas. This case was only possible thanks to their continued efforts.
“The cooperation between Indigenous communities, the forestry office, APEL Green Aceh, and Rainforest Rescue is proof that solidarity can stop forest crime. Without support, this case would probably never have gone to court,” Syukur explained.
Inspiration for stronger protection
The ruling is not the end but a beginning. APEL Green Aceh will continue to monitor the legal process, put pressure on the authorities, and support local communities in protecting the forests. At the same time, the organization is urging the government and the judiciary to take more decisive action against companies and those driving deforestation.
We hope that this ruling will be a wake-up call
– for a just future for Indigenous communities and for the protection of Aceh’s unique forests,” says Syukur.
Press release, APEL Green Aceh, August 20, 2025 (in English). https://apelgreenaceh.or.id/en/publikasi-aga/putusan-pengadilan-kemenangan-untuk-hutan-dan-keadilan-lingkungan-di-nagan-raya/#
This page is available in the following languages:
Indonesia: Protect the habitat of Tripa’s orangutans!
Officially, the peat forests of Sumatra are protected as a habitat for critically endangered orangutans. The encroachment of oil palm plantations must stop NOW!
Mangroves, peat bogs, swamps: protecting Aceh’s wetlands
Our partner, the Aceh Wetland Foundation, is working to conserve and restore Indonesia's mangrove forests, peat bogs and swamps.
The rainforest
A green sea of ferns, mosses, vines and ancient trees. Iridescent butterflies and colorful birds. Flowers in every hue of the rainbow. The “green lung” is a natural wonder of the world. Find out more about the world’s most diverse, fascinating and threatened ecosystem.