Corruption in the forestry sector

The Ministry of Forestry and Plantations has taken a major step. This institution, which for decades had practically existed under the control of timber barons, is beginning to show some muscle. The ministry's secretary-general recently submitted a report concerning the suspected misuse of reforestation funds totaling Rp 784.4 billion to Attorney General Marzuki Darusman. The five businessperson in question are Mohamad "Bob" Hasan, Prajogo Pangestu, Siti Hardijanti "Tutut" Rukmana, Probosutedjo and Ibrahim Risjad.

Perhaps this step -- though it may not be sufficient to bring those five business people to court -- can serve to increase our drive to truly uphold the law. The fact is that the public is becoming tired of waiting for an end to corruption, collusion and nepotism.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta