Indonesia is set to initiate a comprehensive crackdown on the illegal exploitation of natural resources following a survey that identified 3.7 million hectares of palm plantations operating unlawfully, announced President Prabowo Subianto on Friday. In his inaugural state of the nation address, delivered prior to the nation's 80th independence anniversary, President Prabowo disclosed that a total of 5 million hectares of plantations are currently undergoing review. Of this, 3.1 million hectares have already been seized with military assistance in response to frequent resistance.
Furthermore, the president pledged to address illegal mining activities, referencing reports of 1,063 unauthorized operations. He also issued a warning to businesses involved in the hoarding or exploitation of essential commodities. In addition, large-scale rice mills will be mandated to secure government permits to ensure the preservation of quality and maintain affordability.
