Regents to issue forestry licenses

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.