Logging threatens Kutai reserve

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)