Govt decision on Ciremai protested

KUNINGAN, West Java: Environmental activists criticized on Tuesday the government's recent decision that named the area surrounding Mount Ciremai as a national park. Having named the 15,000 hectares a National Park, local residents would be prevented from seeking a living in the area, including growing plants there, said Avo Juhartono, the chief of Mount Ciremai Conservation Task Force.

Avo said that the decision was short-sighted and thus had to be revoked. Part of Mount Ciremai is located in Kuningan regency, while another part is in Majalengka regency. -- JP