Forest fire toll 'worse' in C. Java

SEMARANG, Central Java: The toll from forest fires in Central Java is worse this year than during last year's dry season, an official of state owned forestry firm Perum Perhutani said.

Public relations officer Soegiharto Soesilo told The Jakarta Post Thursday that 59,700 hectares had been destroyed.

Among regencies hardest hit Rembang, Blora, Cepu and Boyolali regencies, he said.

Staff from the forestry firm are closely monitoring forests in Merbabu, Slamet and Sumbing mountains to guard against spread of fires, he added.

A major cause is people recklessly discarding their lit cigarette butts.

"A lot of burning cigarette butts were found in the forests," he said. (har/05)