Big firms control forests

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)