Clean body needed on logging

JAKARTA: The success of a proposed regulation in lieu of law (perpu) on eradicating illegal logging requires the establishment of an independent body and court to specifically deal with the issue, says an environmental expert.

"The body must include prosecutors and police officers who are clean in terms of their records and have professional integrity. The body should also be authorized to supervise, investigate and prosecute," said Achmad Santosa of the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL).

He added that the authorities of the body could be justified in the proposed perpu as legally, such authorities typically rested with the police and prosecutors.

The court, he said, should also be exclusive and presided over by judges who would deal only with illegal logging cases.

"The president can consult with the Supreme Court in appointing the judges. Judges should also be rigorously screened to provide qualified ones," he said.

Achmad also suggested the creation of a supervisory body that included figures from non-governmental organizations, mass media, the public and even the international community because illegal logging was a global issue.

Minister of Forestry M. Prakosa said the perpu would become a special law outside the existing criminal law and would enable law enforcement officers to try illegal loggers immediately after arrest.

Punishments for violations are to be severe, and includes the death sentence. -- JP