Indonesian Police Probe Illegal Farmland Conversion for Shrimp Farming Business

SUARA NEGERI | BATANG — The Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the Central Java Regional Police has uncovered a case of alleged criminal conversion of Sustainable Food Crop Land (LP2B) and spatial planning violations in East Roban Hamlet, Sengon Village, Subah District, Batang Regency.

The Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the Central Java Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Djoko Yulianto, stated that suspect AMP (29) converted 7 hectares of rice fields into shrimp ponds.

"This suspect opened a business outside the designated coordinates," he said, Yesterday (12/6).

According to Senior Commissioner Djoko, the suspect purchased rice fields from several individuals to be converted into shrimp ponds.

The shrimp pond business had been operating for five years.

The suspect's shrimp pond also had a business permit from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).

However, Senior Commissioner Djoko stated that the business requirements submitted to obtain the permit were allegedly incorrect.

"The suspect opened a business outside the designated coordinates," he said.

He said the suspect's shrimp farming business was capable of generating profits of around IDR 1.4 billion per harvest.

However, losses from the conversion of sustainable agricultural land are estimated to reach IDR 32 billion.

For his actions, the suspect was charged under the Job Creation Law, which regulates agricultural land protection and spatial planning. (Himawan/007)