No pardon for illegal logging

No pardon for illegal logging

KENDARi, Southeast Sulawesi: Muna Regent Ridwan said on
Wednesday he would not compromise with anyone in the handling of
2,000 cubic meters of logs confiscated from PT Tetaka Rimba Jati.

Ridwan alleged that the company had illegally felled forest
trees.

"The logs were unlawfully obtained by the company. Therefore,
if I seize the logs and instruct the company to suspend
operations it is not be against the law," Ridwan said in the
district of Raha.

The company has a permit to clear transmigration areas in
Bonegunu district. "But we have strong evidence that it damaged
the forest. The company allegedly joined up with PT Rante Mario
to conduct the logging, claiming it had been ordered to construct
a road to the coast for its operations."

The Kendari-based PT Tetaka Rimba Jati was told to build a
five-kilometer road to the coast and minimize the felling of
trees.

"But it intended to cut more and more trees to build a longer
road," he claimed.