Big firms control forests

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Concessionaires (APHI) says 437 forest concessions so far licensed by the government are controlled by 50 giant concessionaires.

Association deputy executive Hendro Prastowo named yesterday some of the 50 concessionaires but refused to reveal the size of their concessions.

"I can't give you complete data right now because there is so much to process," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

According to Hendro, the 50 concessionaires include PT Alas Kesuma, Barito Pacific Timber, Banua Indah, Bumi Indah Raya, Bumi Raya Utama, Djayanti Djaya Timber, Dwima Jaya Utama, PT Hanurata Coy. Ltd., Indo Plywood/Kalamur, Kalimanis, Kayu Lapis Indonesia, Mujur Timber, Panca Eka Bina Plywood, Raja Garuda Mas, Sumalindo Lestari Jaya, Daya Sakti Timber Corp., Erna Djuliawati, Hutrindo Wanabangun, Surya Damai and PT Tanjung Raya Timber Corp.

Ministry of Forestry data shows that 437 concessionaires control 55.034 million hectares of the country's total 143 million hectares of forest. (jsk)