Foreign tribes invited to Jambi

Foreign tribes invited to Jambi

JAMBI: A local tribal conservation group has invited isolated tribes from foreign countries to attend the handing over of the 2003 Traditional Society Award here.

The coordinator of the Suku Anak Dalam tribe conservation group (Kopsad), Budhi Vrihaspati Jauhari, said here on Wednesday the ceremony would be attended by Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah.

The Traditional Society Award is in honor of the numerous tribes across the country.

"Tribes in Indonesia are left behind compared to tribes in foreign countries," Budhi said, adding that any form of assistance for isolated tribes should be accepted.

Kopsad has been supporting tribes, including the Suku Anak Dalam, in the area of the Bukit 12 Conservation Forest Area. The isolated tribes receive general knowledge and religious teachings.

He added that the awards would be endowed on officials, companies and foundations that pay attention to the empowerment of isolated tribes. -- Antara

;; ANPAa..r.. Scene-Samarinda-Orangutan Orangutan center gets 7 new inmates 6

Orangutan center gets 7 new inmates

SAMARINDA: East Kalimantan: The Semboja Orangutan rehabilitation center has been given seven orangutans confiscated in a series of raids.

Semboja spokesman Jean Mandala said on Wednesday that two of the orangutans had been confiscated from a businessman in Jakarta.

Mandala said local people had a poor understanding of conservation. Many orangutans, which are protected animals, are being kept as pets by people.

"It is regretful that the violators have a strong economic background, have status and enough education."

He revealed that the number of orangutans currently being rehabilitated at Semboja reached 192.

Mandala voiced disappointment that the Kalimantan forest, which is the natural habitat of orangutans, was being damaged at an alarming rate. - Antara