Hotspots found in Central Java

SEMARANG, Central Java: Eight new hotspots have been detected at Mount Merbabu, and the authorities are blaming the activities of locals making charcoal.

Forest official Irfan Rosadi was quoted by Antara as saying that 14 people had been detained for starting the fires.

"I explained the negative impact of what they were doing and they signed a letter of commitment promising not to make charcoal by burning forests at Mount Merbabu," he said. (mds)