Officials back timber theft

JAMBI, Jambi: The theft of ironwood in the province's forests continues unabated due to corrupt officials backing individuals, a press report said yesterday.

The timber, which is suitable for building and furniture, is stolen from Bulian National Park.

Chief of the local forestry office Simon S. Patasik said Monday that he would improve coordination with other related agencies to stop the timber theft.

"We cannot say who the officials (who back the thefts) are. It's possible that some powerful businesspeople are also involved," Simon said as quoted by Antara.

The forestry ministry has earmarked 15,000 hectares of forest in Senami village as a reserve and another 74 hectares in Batanghari as a national park.

"A limited number of forest rangers is our main problem," Simon said. (pan)