Logging threatens Kutai reserve

SAMARINDA, E. Kalimantan: Logging by squatters in the Kutai National Park near Bontang is threatening the forest which has already been severely damaged by fires this year, an environmental official said.

Awang Farouq Ishak, the head of the East Kalimantan Environmental Impact Management Agency, told Antara that some 17,623 people are living "illegally" in the park.

He suggested that these squatters be relocated to prevent further damage to the national park.

Fires ignited by this year's drought destroyed some 70,000 hectares of the park, he said. (01)