Indonesia increases patrols in Sumatra National Park after attacks on task force

JAKARTA – In response to palm oil plantation seizures, Indonesia has deployed reinforcements to a National Park on Sumatra island, as announced by the Forestry Ministry on Nov 25. President Prabowo Subianto’s forestry task force, comprised of military personnel and state prosecutors, initiated a crackdown on illegally operating palm oil plantations in forest areas in 2025. The palm oil industry has expressed concerns that this operation may disrupt global supplies. The ministry issued a statement declaring, “This reinforcement aims to re-secure the tactical command post, prevent further damage, and ensure the operation to restore order and the ecosystem runs smoothly.”