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