Deforestation hits 43m hectares

Deforestation hits 43m hectares

YOGYAKARTA: Minister of Forestry Muhammad Prakosa said on
Friday that at least 43 million hectares of forests nationwide
have been destroyed.

The massive deforestation is a wake up call, not only for the
government, but also for the public, said Prakosa.

"Deforestation will continue at a fast pace, unless the public
and the government immediately pay attention to this alarming
trend," said Prakosa.

Rampant landslides and droughts in the country were clear
evidence that deforestation had really harmed the people, said
Prakosa.

He concluded that both the public and the government should
immediately join together in rehabilitating and protecting the
forests. -- Antara