Improving The Prosperity of the Communities Around the Area Forests to Combat Illegal Criminal Acts Logging in Blora Regency

Abstract

Illegal logging in Blora Regency is a problem influenced by the low level of welfare of communities surrounding forest areas, their high dependence on forest products, and weak forest area supervision. The community's low economic conditions have led some to engage in illegal logging as a means of meeting their living needs. Illegal logging practices not only cause state losses, but also result in environmental damage and disruption of forest sustainability. This study aims to determine the relationship between the welfare of communities around forest areas and the level of illegal logging crimes in Blora Regency, to determine strategies to improve community welfare, and to understand the implementation of criminal law and the role of the government in preventing illegal logging crimes. The research method used in this study is an empirical juridical method with a legislative approach and a sociological approach. Data sources consist of primary and secondary data obtained through literature studies, laws and regulations, books, scientific journals, as well as the results of interviews and observations in the Blora Regency area. Data analysis was carried out descriptively qualitatively to obtain an overview of the relationship between community welfare and illegal logging crimes and the implementation of criminal law in overcoming them. Economic factors, unemployment, and low levels of education are the main causes of communities engaging in illegal logging. The implementation of criminal law against illegal logging crimes has been carried out through preventive and repressive efforts based on Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, but its implementation has not been optimal due to limited supervisory officers, the vastness of forest areas, and low public legal awareness. The government plays an important role through forest area supervision, social forestry programs, community economic empowerment, and legal counseling to suppress illegal logging crimes and maintain the sustainability of forest areas in Blora Regency.