Illegal logging rife in Bengkulu

Illegal logging rife in Bengkulu

BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Governor Adjis Achmad has come under mounting pressure to take prompt action to stop illegal logging in the southern part of the province.

The worsening deforestation, including that in protected areas, was brought to the governor's attention by a community leader, Anas, who saw Adjis on Thursday.

Anas attributed the widespread flooding in southern Bengkulu and elsewhere in the province to the unchecked denudation.

The governor promised to assign a team to look into Anas' report, Antara said.

Local government officials said the province does not have enough rangers to guard its vast forests. According to official figures, forests represent 49 percent of Bengkulu's 1.9 million hectare territory. (pan)