Pulp, paper exports surge

Pulp, paper exports surge

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's exports of paper and paperboard increased by 40 percent from 591,800 tons in 1993 to 826,300 tons last year and those of pulp by 98 percent from 123,600 tons to 243,000 tons, according to the industry's association.

Kahar Haryopuspito, executive director of the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association, said in a statement here yesterday that Indonesia, with its huge forest resources, is poised to become the world's leading pulp and paper producer.

He said the country's paperboard and paper production capacity would expand by 760,000 tons within the next two years, of which 200,000 tons will be derived from PT Fajar Surya's third production line.

Kahar projected that Indonesia's pulp exports will also increase sharply to about 900,000 tons this year as a result of the start up of several new plants. (vin)