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