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