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.