Punish backers of timber smuggling

Punish backers of timber smuggling

From Media Indonesia

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has instructed law enforcers to unhesitatingly take stern action against those backing illegal logging overtly and covertly, without discrimination.

Forest management agencies have also been warned to not tolerate timber theft and smuggling, while regional administrators are now required to more cautiously issue forestry permits in order to avoid misuse of resources.

The Tanjung Puting National Park (TNTP) is now in a serious condition due to the widespread illegal logging of commercial wood during the last 10 years.

With its total area of 415,000 hectares, the park has become one of the most important indicators to the world's environmental community about the standard of Indonesia's success in conserving its forests, ecosystems and biodiversity.

The person behind the TNTP logging is reportedly an influential figure who once occupied the respectable position of legislator and has always managed to evade prosecution.

Conservation in TNTP is a complex undertaking. Logging activities have reached the forest's core and the park is urgently in need of a rescue -- and rescuing the forest also means conserving its biodiversity.

This ecosystem devastation will cost a huge amount to restore and will impose a great and unnecessary burden on future generations.

TRANATORO HANDADHARI Head, Forestry Information Center Jakarta