08/01/2026 (Antara News) - President Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday Indonesia's Attorney General's Office (AGO) will seize an additional four million to five million hectares of illegally operated palm oil plantations in 2026, intensifying a nationwide crackdown on corruption and environmental crimes.

Speaking at a harvest event in Karawang, West Java, Prabowo urged unity among institutions to enforce the law consistently and eradicate corruption that has long drained state revenues and harmed farmers.

“We have taken control and seized four million hectares of palm oil plantations that violated the law. In 2026, we will seize another four to five million hectares,” Prabowo said.

The president said the government has also taken action against hundreds of illegal mining operations, saving the state hundreds of trillions of rupiah through enforcement and asset recovery.

“We have acted against hundreds of illegal mines and saved hundreds of trillions,” he said, adding that authorities would continue pursuing losses to ensure public funds fully benefit Indonesians.

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Prabowo said no amount of public money should be lost to corruption, calling it his duty as president to protect state finances and uphold the mandate of his Red and White Cabinet.

He reiterated that the seizure of four million hectares of palm oil land announced in late 2025 marked only the beginning of a broader enforcement campaign.

Prabowo said he believes many forest areas remain under illegal control by business operators, with potential state losses reaching hundreds of trillions of rupiah if left unaddressed.

“This is just the beginning. If thoroughly examined, potential state losses could reach hundreds of trillions,” Prabowo said at the Attorney General’s Office in Jakarta on Dec. 24, 2025.

He said illegal control of forest land had persisted for years, enabled by corrupt practices that allowed unscrupulous businesses to bribe officials and evade accountability.

“They dared to insult the state, assuming officials at every level could be bought and bribed,” Prabowo said, describing systemic corruption in resource governance.

Prabowo urged the Forest Area Control Task Force, known as Satgas PKH, to maintain integrity, reject lobbying efforts and work with full dedication to defend the interests of the Indonesian people.

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