Loggers have strong backing

Loggers have strong backing

PADANG, West Sumatra: Minister of Forestry Djamaluddin
Soerjohadikoesoemo said that illegal logging activities have
continued in West Sumatra because they had the support of either
administration or military officials.

Djamaluddin told a meeting of forestry officials and law
enforcement agencies, including the military, that he is counting
on the help of the military to punish the individual officials
backing illegal loggers.

Illegal logging, he said, is destroying the forestry resources
of the province.

"To stop the trend, we need coordination, a spirit of mutual
help, dedication, and the support of the public," he said. (emb)