Officials accused of mangrove theft

Officials accused of mangrove theft

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Some government officials are
believed to be in cahoots with thieves who are illegally logging
mangrove trees on Kabaena island.

Community leaders on the small island said the rampant logging
began two years go and remains unchecked because government
officials are involved, Antara said.

Every week the loggers bring out at least two shiploads of
logs to sell at an unknown destination, local residents allege.

"We've heard that they sell to businessmen in South Sulawesi
who buy them at a high price," said Abdullah, a community leader
in Dongkala, a village in eastern Kabaena coast.

Hundreds of hectares have already been stripped, he said.

People on the east coast tried to stop the illegal logging but
backed off after being intimidated by the officials, he said.

Gone with the mangroves are fish and other marine resources,
which are an income source for most residents.

"In addition, abrasion is threatening several villages on the
east coast," Abdullah said. (pan)