Army warned against illegal logging

Army warned against illegal logging

JAKARTA: Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto on Thursday said he has ordered regional military commanders in Kalimantan provinces to take firm action against their personnel found guilty of involvement in illegal logging.

"I have warned the local military commanders in Kalimantan to strictly supervise their subordinates in order not to be involved in illegal logging," he said.

Speaking to journalists in Jakarta, Endriartono said he was totally against any involvement by Army personnel because such a crime caused losses to the state and damaged the environment.

"If there is an indication that Army officers are involved, they will be subject to administrative and legal sanctions," he added.

Endriartono said he had also ordered all the local Army chiefs to help police and other security forces prevent illegal logging from recurring in Kalimantan. "The Army is ready to provide assistance if requested." -- Antara