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

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Scene-Samarinda-Orangutan
Orangutan center gets 7 new inmates
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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