Bengkulu to host tourism meeting
BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Bengkulu hopes to boost tourism to the province ahead of acting as host of a tourism meeting of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand economic growth triangle later this year.
Suparhim, secretary of the Bengkulu tourism promotion board, said on Wednesday the provincial budget for the sector had increased considerably from Rp 100 million last year to Rp 800 million in 2003.
He said Bengkulu boasted various annual attractions, such as the Tabot, Rafflesia and Lake Dendam festivals, which draw both domestic and foreign tourists.
"Coupled with its beautiful coastal, mountain and forest scenery, Bengkulu will return to its 1997 record number of tourist visits after slight declines in 2001 and 2002," Suparhim said. --Antara
Wildlife crime units to debut in Lampung
BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Wildlife crime units will soon be working to ensure the conservation of flora and fauna in Lampung province, which are under threat by continued criminal actions.
Mochamad Saleh, Indonesian program coordinator for the Wildlife Conservation Society, said in Bandarlampung on Wednesday the province's National Resources Conservation Center and several non-governmental organizations were finalizing preparations for the units.
According to environmentalists and non-governmental organizations, Lampung has become a hub of illegal hunting and theft of protected animal species and vegetation, while no integrated action has yet been taken to stop the crimes.
Saleh said the presence of the wildlife units was even more urgent in view of the serious threat posed by poachers to Way Kambas and Southern Bukit Barisan, Lampung's national forests. --Antara
Green turtles disappearing from Aceh
BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The green turtle population in the waters of Banyak island in Aceh Singkil regency has decreased almost to the point of extinction because of incessant poaching.
"Hundreds of green turtles and their eggs on Banyak island are stolen by fishermen from Sibolga, North Sumatra, every day," A. Maddin, a fisherman from Aceh Singkil, told Antara in the Aceh capital of Banda Aceh on Wednesday.
He said only 10 to 15 turtles a day were laying eggs on the shore of the island, compared to dozens of turtles about three years ago.
Banyak island has been a green turtle captive breeding zone since the 1980s, which attracts numerous foreign tourists.
"The regency administration must stop the poaching of this species in the area and the surrounding islets," Maddin said. --Antara
Families of Ambon victims get compensation
AMBON, Maluku: The Ministry of Social Affairs last year provided financial compensation to the families of 1,268 people who died and 75 people who were disabled during the 1999 sectarian conflict in Maluku.
The family of each dead victim received Rp 2 million, while those who were disabled received Rp 1 million each, the head of the local social affairs office, Bram Matahelumual, said on Wednesday.
He said his office would continue to provide compensation this year, and that the families of 265 people who were killed and 70 who were injured had been chosen as recipients.
Thousands of people have been killed in four years of sectarian conflict between Muslims and Christians in Maluku.
The central government has been working closely with religious and community leaders from the warring camps to end the prolonged conflict, but sporadic incidents of violence continue to occur. --Antara