Pine forest to become tourist resort

MUARA TEWEH, Central Kalimantan: The pine forest located in Melayu village in North Barito regency will soon be turned into a tourist resort.

Muhammad Wa'il, a spokesman for the city administration, said on Thursday that besides developing the area into an agricultural zone, the conversion was meant to protect the forest from illegal loggers.

Due to the lack of control, the pine forest under the supervision of the local forestry office and rich with a wide variety of trees, has diminished in size from 22.8 hectares to 10.04 hectares.

"Hopefully we can restore the breadth of the forest," Muhammad said.

The area, adjacent to the city's capital city of Muara Teweh will be converted into a place for bird lovers and will feature local entertainment. --Antara--