Fires destroy hundreds of hectares

Fires destroy hundreds of hectares

JAMBI: Hundreds of hectares of plantations in Jambi province,
including palm oil plantation, had been burned since early June
this year, causing huge monetary losses for local residents and
plantation companies working in the area.

Frans Tandipau, an official at the Jambi provincial forestry
office, said that the widespread burning was caused by human
neglect, the dry season and shifting cultivation.

He said on Thursday that fires had burned plantations in 52
locations, including Muarojambi, Batanghari and Bungo regencies. -- JP