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