PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry is investigating a suspected illegal timber distribution network after officers intercepted a truck carrying processed ulin and meranti wood without transportation documents in Sanggau regency, West Kalimantan.

Officers stopped the Mitsubishi truck on the Trans-Kalimantan Highway in Subah village, Tayan Hilir district, early Tuesday, Oct. 20. The vehicle was registered as KB 8815 DD. According to the statement published by the official Forestry Law Enforcement Directorate, the truck carried wooden beams of various sizes.

Investigators named the 45-year-old driver, identified only by his initials AB, a suspect. This happened after he failed to produce a certificate verifying the timber’s legal origin (SKSHHK).

Authorities subsequently detained AB at the West Kalimantan Police detention facility. They secured the truck and its cargo at the forestry enforcement office in Pontianak as evidence.

During an initial examination, AB told investigators that a person identified as SY had instructed him to transport the wood. He described SY as the timber’s owner and a resident of Rasau village in Kubu Raya regency.

AB also said he was delivering the cargo to a building-materials store and a sawmill in Kubu Raya. Investigators have not independently established those claims, and authorities have not announced another suspect.

The inquiry now covers the timber’s origin, those who controlled its transportation and the intended recipients. Officers are also examining a possible distribution network connecting Ketapang, Sanggau and Kubu Raya.

“This enforcement action is not the end of the case,” said Leonardo Gultom, head of the Kalimantan Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Agency.

“Instead, it provides information that allows us to trace the people behind the timber’s distribution. These include those suspected of being its owner, collector or recipient, as well as other parties involved,” he added.

“We are investigating suspected illegal timber laundering and a distribution network linked to Ketapang and Kubu Raya. Our goal is to expose and break the chain through the perpetrator caught in the field.”

The authorities have not disclosed the volume or estimated commercial value of the seized timber.

Investigators allege that AB violated the provisions of Law No. 18/2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction. This law was amended under Indonesia’s job-creation legislation. The cited provisions prohibit transporting forest timber without legally required documentation.

If convicted, AB could face up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp2.5 billion (about US$150,000). The statutory maximum does not indicate the sentence a court would impose, and AB retains the presumption of innocence.

Forestry Law Enforcement Director General Dwi Januanto Nugroho said undocumented timber could undercut businesses that comply with licensing and supply-chain requirements.

“Illegal timber circulation damages governance because timber obtained and traded outside the rules can enter the market and compete directly with products from businesses that have fulfilled all their obligations,” Dwi said.

“This creates unfair competition. Law enforcement must therefore prevent illegal timber from entering supply chains. At the same time, it should provide certainty for industries that use legally sourced materials,” he added.

The investigation’s broader significance will depend on whether authorities can trace the wood to its source. Authorities must also establish the roles of financiers, suppliers or recipients rather than ending the case with the driver.