NGOs protest forest looting

PALU, Central Sulawesi: A group of activists representing 18 non-governmental organizations went to the provincial legislature on Thursday to protest the plundering of the Lore Lindu national park.

In a statement read by one of the activists, Alimuddin Pa'ada, the NGOs demanded the local government take action to halt the destruction of the forest.

The activists said residents of Kamarora A, Kamarora B, Kadidia and Rahmat villages had ventured five kilometers into the protected forest and cut trees.

Dongi-dongi is the hardest hit area, according to Alimuddin, who added that at least 80 structures had been built by the villagers to store illegal logs, rattan, endangered animals and resin they intended to sell.

Another protester, Thius Jehux, said the plundering of the forest could trigger clashes between Napu tribes and outsiders accused of plundering the forest. He said the national park stood on the ancestral land of the tribes, who were working to preserve the forest. (28)