ACEH SINGKIL, BALINEWS — The handling of an alleged illegal timber transportation case by the Aceh Singkil Police Criminal Investigation Unit has come under scrutiny, with a defense lawyer urging investigators to examine the possible involvement of other parties, including a man identified by the initials IB, who is alleged to be the son of the Aceh Singkil Deputy Regent.
Muhammad Ishak, S.H., M.H., the lawyer representing a suspect identified as M, said investigators should not limit their investigation to the two individuals who have been named suspects in the case. The two are alleged to have been involved as a buyer of timber cut into boards and blocks and as the truck driver transporting the wood.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Ishak called on investigators to trace the timber’s origin, the location where it was harvested, the processing site, and any parties potentially connected to the activities.
“Investigators should also examine witness statements to determine whether other parties were involved. Law enforcement must not appear selective,” Ishak said.
He specifically urged police to clarify information concerning IB, whom he alleged may have links to the location where the timber was sourced or processed.
Ishak claimed that statements obtained from suspect M and other witnesses suggested a possible connection between IB and the forest area in question. He called on investigators to examine the allegations and take legal action if sufficient evidence and legal grounds were established.
The lawyer also questioned the status of five other individuals who were reportedly detained alongside the two suspects but later released. He urged police to clarify the circumstances surrounding their release and explain how their involvement had been assessed during the investigation.
Ishak gave police 72 hours to follow up on his demands, warning that he would report the handling of the case to the National Police Headquarters if no action was taken within that period.
“The professionalism of the Aceh Singkil Police is being tested in this timber case. Everyone connected to the matter must be investigated objectively,” he said.
As of publication, no official response had been obtained from the Aceh Singkil Police regarding the alleged involvement of IB, the release of the five individuals, or the latest developments in the investigation.
The allegations made by the defense lawyer have not been independently verified. Any potential involvement by other parties remains subject to investigation, and the presumption of innocence must be respected unless guilt is established through the legal process.
