Electronic Theses and Dissertation

Pasal 37 angka 13 dalam UU Cipta Kerja (yang merupakan perubahan atas UU No. 18 Tahun 2013 tentang Pencegahan dan Pemberantasan Perusakan Hutan/P3H) mengatur sanksi pidana bagi perorangan yang karena kelalaiannya mengangkut, menguasai, atau memiliki hasil hutan kayu yang tidak dilengkapi dokumen sah, atau hasil pembalakan liar, dengan denda hingga Rp2,5 miliar. Meskipun telah diatur sanksi tegas, praktik illegal logging masih terjadi di Kabupaten Aceh Besar setiap tahunnya, menunjukkan perlunya penguatan penegakan hukum terhadap kejahatan kehutanan.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan proses penegakan hukum terhadap pelaku pembalakan liar, menjelaskan faktor-faktor penyebab lemahnya penindakan, serta menjelaskan solusi yang dapat memperkuat peran institusi hukum dalam menjaga kelestarian hutan di wilayah Aceh.

Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian hukum empiris dengan pendekatan yuridis empiris. Data diperoleh melalui studi lapangan, wawancara dengan aparat penegak hukum, serta studi terhadap putusan-putusan pengadilan dan peraturan perundang-undangan yang relevan. Analisis data dilakukan secara kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif-analitis guna memberikan gambaran menyeluruh mengenai praktik penegakan hukum terhadap illegal logging di tingkat lokal.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penegakan hukum terhadap tindak pidana illegal logging di wilayah Pengadilan Negeri Jantho masih belum optimal akibat lemahnya pengawasan, keterbatasan sumber daya, serta adanya kolusi antara oknum tertentu dengan pelaku kejahatan. Selain itu, kesadaran hukum masyarakat di sekitar kawasan hutan masih rendah, sehingga mendukung terjadinya pembalakan liar secara terus-menerus. Upaya penegakan hukum yang dilakukan aparat kepolisian dan kejaksaan belum sepenuhnya memberikan efek jera kepada pelaku.

Saran yang diajukan antara lain perlunya peningkatan kapasitas aparat penegak hukum, penguatan koordinasi antar instansi, serta peningkatan peran serta masyarakat dalam pengawasan dan pelestarian hutan. Selain itu, diperlukan peninjauan ulang terhadap kebijakan hukum pidana kehutanan agar dapat lebih responsif terhadap kondisi lokal dan mampu memberikan efek preventif dan represif secara seimbang.

Article 37 point 13 of the Job Creation Law (which amends Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction) stipulates criminal sanctions for individuals who, due to negligence, transport, control, or possess timber forest products that are not accompanied by valid documentation, or which originate from illegal logging, with fines of up to IDR 2.5 billion. Notwithstanding the imposition of such strict sanctions, the practice of illegal logging continues to occur annually in Aceh Besar Regency, indicating the need to strengthen law enforcement against forestry crimes. This study aims to examine the process of law enforcement against perpetrators of illegal logging, to identify the factors contributing to weak enforcement, and to propose solutions to strengthen the role of legal institutions in preserving forest sustainability in the Aceh region. The research method employed is empirical legal research with a socio-legal (juridical-empirical) approach. Data were obtained through field studies, interviews with law enforcement officials, and analysis of court decisions as well as relevant statutory regulations. Data analysis was conducted qualitatively using a descriptive-analytical approach to provide a comprehensive overview of law enforcement practices against illegal logging at the local level. The findings indicate that law enforcement against illegal logging offenses within the jurisdiction of the Jantho District Court remains suboptimal due to weak supervision, limited resources, and instances of collusion between certain officials and perpetrators. In addition, public legal awareness among communities surrounding forest areas remains low, thereby contributing to the persistence of illegal logging activities. Law enforcement efforts undertaken by the police and the prosecution have not yet produced a sufficient deterrent effect. The study recommends, inter alia, enhancing the capacity of law enforcement officials, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and increasing community participation in forest monitoring and conservation. Furthermore, a review of forestry criminal law policies is necessary to ensure greater responsiveness to local conditions and to achieve a balanced application of preventive and repressive measures.