Reforestation decentralized

JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided to decentralize reforestation programs by giving local authorities a bigger role, Director General of Reforestation and Land Rehabilitation Sumahadi said yesterday.

"We will establish offices in 195 regencies in 26 provinces and assign them to deal with reforestation and land conservation programs," Sumahadi said.

Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. and Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo signed a joint decree to establish such offices in April.

Sumahadi said the decision is based on the government's policy of giving regencies more power. (09)