Jakarta, July 2 -- The Forestry Ministry said that it has conducted a joint operation to check illegal mining in the Bekasi headstream in Mount Karang, Klapanunggal, Bogor district, West Java, as part of efforts to save forests and the environment.

The ministry's unit for watershed rescue conducted the joint operation with stakeholders such as the National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Bogor Public Works and Public Housing Office on Wednesday.

The ministry's director general for law enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, said in Bogor, West Java, the same day that any unlawful use of forests will be met with strict penalties.

"The initiative shows the Forestry Ministry's commitment to taking strict measures to save Indonesia's environment and...