Regent revokes logging permits

Regent revokes logging permits

PADANG, West Sumatra: The Mentawai Islands Regent Edison
Saleleubaja has revoked all permits for timber concessions that
he issued during 2004-2005 period.

In the decision, the regent ordered all permit holders to stop
felling trees and pay the state their obligations based on the
amount of cubic meters they had already obtained. He also
assigned the regency's forestry office to take necessary steps to
conduct technical inspections of the sites.

When contacted by phone to confirm the decision on Sunday, the
regent declined to comment, but the regency's council speaker,
Kortanius Sabeleakek, admitted he had received a copy of the
decision.

"The move to revoke the permits is likely related to media
reports which questioned the 'zero' revenue from the forestry
sector, even though the regent has issued many permits for timber
concessions each year, not to mention protests by students and
tribal communities to revoke the permits," Kortanius said. -- JP