Jakarta, Oct. 15 -- The Indonesian authorities have uncovered illegal logging operations in the Mentawai Islands, confiscating 4,610.16 cubic meters of timber from the Sipora Forest.

"This practice is believed to have caused state losses of up to Rp240 billion (US$14 million)," said Director of Forestry Crimes of the Ministry of Forestry Rudianto Saragih Napitu here, Wednesday.

The seizure followed a joint field operation on October 4, during which the Garuda Team Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH) and the Ministry of Forestry's officials sealed the operational area and seized production facilities at the Sipora Forest Management Unit (HPT).

Investigations are now underway into an individual identified as IM and the company PT BR...