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)