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