Reforestation program under threat

Reforestation program under threat

KOTABARU TOWN, South Kalimantan: A reforestation program for
83-hectares of deforested area in Kotabaru and Tanah Bumbu
regencies is under threat, since the teakwood seedlings that were
planted in the two barren areas have died due to the prolonged
drought.

Amang, a resident of Gedambaan village in Kotabaru regency,
said people living in the two regencies appreciated the Rp 484
million reforestation program "but we are dissatisfied with the
poor condition of the newly planted seedlings."

Another resident, Arpan, blamed the plant's poor condition on
the local administration because the plants were abandoned after
they were planted.

"Villagers would volunteer to take care of the plants during
the drought if they were asked to, because the reforestation
program will also benefit them," he said.

Meanwhile, head of the local forestry office Hasbi Thawab said
the reforestation program had been suspended until the rainy
season. -- JP