Kalimantan forest

Kalimantan forest

From Republika

The forests of Kalimantan serve as the lungs of the world. Therefore everyone is in some measure dependent on Kalimantan forests. But I feel there's something wrong with the government's policy on the forests. I know from personal observation that hundreds of millions of hectares of forest in Kalimantan have been destroyed without being replanted. Lately a plan to clear a large forest area for oilpalm plantation has been discussed. This would be a big mistake.

It is true that the project is aimed at enhancing the economic growth and improving the wellbeing of Kalimantanese. But it would benefit only the present generation. The coming generation will suffer the consequences.

In my opinion, the Kalimantan forest should be preserved for scientific research purposes so that it can yield foreign exchange without damaging the environment. And the government should also limit the concession permits issued to forest concessionaires.

FERDINAN

Pontianak, West Kalimantan