Source: United States Department of Justice
Last month, the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) — in partnership with the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law and the Independent Forest Monitoring Network — continued in its work with other U.S. government agencies to provide strategy and resources to foreign law enforcement partners to combat illegal natural resource crimes, like animal crushing and animal and timber trafficking. The division sent personnel to Indonesia to meet with dozens of law enforcement officials, including judges and prosecutors.
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ENRD shared examples of previous cases, investigative strategies, and successful prosecutorial practices in targeting illegal logging, wildlife crimes, and related financial offenses.
“What we’re trying to accomplish by our ongoing work on timber and wildlife trafficking is to reduce illegal, criminal activity,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of ENRD. “Empowering law enforcement in places like Indonesia helps prevent illegal flora and fauna from being introduced into commerce both in the United States and abroad. Enforcing laws against illegal wildlife and timber trafficking gives consumers confidence and provides a level playing field for companies that operate within the law.”
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To become more familiar with trade regulations and supply chains, participants including ENRD visited a timber processing facility and a port.
Timber from a processing plant in Indonesia.
Entrance to Tanjung Perak Port in Surayaba, Indonesia.
The workshop concluded a three-part series launched in August 2025. The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and Environmental and International Scientific Affairs funded the workshop. DOJ’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training supported the workshop, as well as U.S. law enforcement officers, analysts, and forensic scientists from the Customs and Border Protection, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Cranes at Tanjung Perak Port in Surayaba, Indonesia.