Prosecutors build illegal logging case

PADANG, West Sumatra: The West Sumatra Prosecutor's Office is currently building a case against suspects after 1,310 illegally cut logs were seized in Mentawai Islands regency, West Sumatra, on Saturday.

The logs were seized from two boats docked on Sipora island in the Mentawai Islands regency, said the chief of West Sumatra Prosecutor's Office, Antasari Azhar.

During the arrests on Saturday, the prosecutor's office also seized various documents and heavy equipment. The prosecutors allege the logs were cut from protected forests.

Antasari said prosecutors were questioning parties allegedly linked to the logs, including Mentawai Forestry Office chief Samuel Panggabean, the chairmen of several local logging cooperatives and several executives from timber companies. -- JP