Regents to issue forestry licenses

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: State Minister of Forestry Marzuki Usman said that a presidential decree would soon be released enabling regents throughout the country to issue forest concession licenses (HPH) and similar permits.

"Hopefully, a presidential decree granting consent for regents to issue licenses will soon materialize," Marzuki said after making a speech at a campaign to prevent forest fires and illegal logging.

The licenses are usually issued by the Ministry of Forestry.

"People don't have to go to Jakarta anymore to obtain a license if they can do it in their regencies," he said.

According to Marzuki, the decree was to be issued in accordance with the implementation of regional autonomy and it is expected that regents will be supported by local forestry consultants and public auditors in studying proposals for forest concessions.

Marzuki further disclosed that governors would also be given authority and responsibility to manage and supervise national parks and protect forests, Antara reported.