Illegal logging hurts industry

Illegal logging hurts industry

JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono promised on
Wednesday to intensify the government's crackdown on illegal
logging as it had depleted raw materials supplies to small and
medium-scale handicrafts producers.

"They (illegal loggers) are irresponsible, destroying forests
for their personal gain. Their profits kill small and
medium-scale handicrafts producers. I would ask you to report to
me or the government should you know of anyone at large who is
involved in illegal logging," Susilo said while opening the 7th
Indonesian Handicrafts Expo at the Jakarta Convention Center in
Central Jakarta.

The government has set up task forces to curb illegal logging
in Papua and Kalimantan, and will restrict the export of rattan.

Association of Indonesian Handicrafts Exporters and Craftsmen
(ASEPHII) Rudy Lengkong earlier asked the President to ensure
adequate supplies of raw materials for handicrafts producers.

The expo features 750 small and medium-scale handicrafts
firms. It is open to the public until Sunday. -- JP