Logging permits abused

Logging permits abused

PADANG, West Sumatra: The head of the Ministry of Forestry's
provincial office, Mannas, said the easy administrative
procedures to obtain logging concessions have often been abused.

He said many investors use permits acquired from provincial
level government officials to begin operations.

"A lot of concessionaires, equipped only with recommendations
from the governor or a regent, have started massive logging
operations," he told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

The abuse of the system is often discovered only after the
concessionaires have been caught in police crackdowns on illegal
logging, he said.

If unchecked, he warned, this practice could lead to
uncontrolled logging and natural disasters such as flooding and
landslides.

"It takes a lot of consideration before a logging permit can
be issued, such as the concessionaire's commitment to
regreening," he said. (32/imn)