Forest in Kalimantan

Forest in Kalimantan

From Kompas

I am commenting on the article 'Yang terlihat dari balik awan' (What can be seen beyond the cloud) by Wildan Yatim, lecturer on biology at the School of Forestry, Pajajaran University, Bandung (Kompas, Nov. 26, 1994).

The article says that, according to the latest data, about 85 hectares of the forests in East Kalimantan were destroyed by fire. It should be noted that the Department of Forestry has been continuously making efforts to prevent and curb forest fires, in coordination with the related agencies. The programs include training and a national campaign to develop a consciousness and love of forest conservation and management of forest protection.

The regional government is also held responsible for the management of the forests. The delegation of authority is contained in the decree of the Minister of Forestry No 86/1994, which includes supervision and control on all forestry activities. So it is totally untrue to allege that the regional government is not included in the task of managing the forests, including the supervisory aspect.

KARDJONO KADARSIN

Head of Public Relations Bureau

Department of Forestry

Jakarta