Jambi demands reforestation funds

Jambi demands reforestation funds

JAKARTA: As natural forests in Jambi continue to disappear due
to illegal logging, Jambi governor Zulkifli Nurdin asked
President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday to immediately
disburse reforestation funds to the province.

"Reforestation funds have not reached Jambi, while our forests
continue to decline," Zulkifli told reporters after meeting the
president at the State Palace.

The governor said illegal logging remained rampant in the
province, with the plundered timber filling 500 trucks every
night.

Indonesia has 120 million hectares of natural forest, 1.6
million hectares of which lie in Jambi.

Zulkifli complained that investigations of illegal loggers,
who were allegedly backed by military or police officers, often
came to a dead end due to a lack of evidence.

In response to the governor's report, Megawati said she would
instruct the National Police to launch a thorough investigation.

As for the reforestation funds, Megawati said she would convey
Zulkifli's message to Boediono, the finance minister, and M.
Prakosa, the forestry minister. -- JP