Operation to preserve park

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Central Sulawesi Police will on Sept. 3 launch a special operation to protect and preserve the Lore Lindu Maleo National Park from illegal loggers and squatters, according to a police officer.

Spokesman for Central Sulawesi Police Adj. Sr. Comr. Agus Sugianto said the launching of the operation was in response to the park management's request officially submitted some time ago.

According to Agus, the operation would be conducted in cooperation with the Donggala regency administration, the park management and the people living around the park.

"This is the police's attempt to protect the conservation area, which has been ravaged by illegal squatters and loggers. The first stage of the operation will last three months," he said. "This operation is also meant to persuade squatters in the Dongidongi area to leave soon." (24/sur)