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)