ClimatePolitics
Indonesia threatens prison time for unauthorized downloads of forest data
Publication: Conservation news
Authors: Philip Jacobson, Dyna RochmyaningsihPhilip Jacobson
Source published: 06/10/2026, 02:59:01 UTC
Briefing created: 06/10/2026, 03:10:29 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 06/10/2026, 03:09:24 UTC.
Briefings
Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has restricted access to the SIGAP geospatial platform, requiring users to agree to terms that cite the 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions Law. The platform, which allows free viewing of forest data, now mandates disclosure of research aims and submission of supporting documents before access. Officials stated that uncontrolled data allowed for manipulation and illegal trading, potentially endangering protected areas. The new application process was announced on September 21, 2026, and enforcement actions began around October 6, 2026.
Key points
- The SIGAP platform, maintained by the Ministry of Forestry, now requires users to agree to terms citing the 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions Law, which carries penalties of up to 9 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 3 billion.
- Doni Prabowo, the department's head of forest monitoring and geospatial information, stated that uncontrolled data allowed for manipulation and illegal trading, potentially endangering protected areas.
Context and limitations
Coverage is limited to Indonesia's geospatial data restrictions as of October 6, 2026. The article does not specify the exact number of users affected or the specific areas impacted by the new restrictions.
Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 06/10/2026, 03:10:29 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.
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