The images of thousands of logs hurtling through villages from Tapanuli to Pasaman to Aceh Singkil were framed as “allegations” of illegal logging. But the truth is far more uncomfortable: much of the ecological damage in Sumatra has never needed to be illegal. It has been fully licensed, state-approved, and protected by an AMDAL regime that has long ceased to function as a safeguard. To subscribe please click here
