Officials upset over tree cutting

BOGOR (JP): The city of Bogor will face serious environmental problems if residents continue cutting down the trees, Bogor spokesman Yus Herdiyus said on Saturday.

"If we allow this (the cutting down of tress) to continue ... it will further jeopardize our environment," he said.

The habit of many local residents here of cutting down trees has angered Bogor officials, as a 1990 West Java regional decree clearly prohibits the cutting down of tress whose trunks have a diameter of over 10 centimeters.

To fell a tree a resident needs to secure permission from the mayor or other related officials.

Any violation of the decree will result in a Rp 50,000 fine or three months imprisonment. (24/edt)