Residents allowed back into Ciremai

Residents allowed back into Ciremai

Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Kuningan

Bowing to public pressure, the Kuningan regental government has
conceded to allow thousands of residents who live on the slopes
of Mt. Ciremai to seek a living in the area, which was designated
a national park.

Upon issuing the decision, Kuningan Regent Aang Abdul Hamid
warned the residents not to damage the forest in the 15,500-
hectare national park.

"The residents are allowed to grow crop and vegetable gardens
in the area or gather firewood, but if the forest is found to
have been damaged, then the permit will be revoked," Aang said on
Tuesday night.

Local non-governmental organization (NGO) activists had
earlier organized a string of protests against a decision in
October to turn the Ciremai forest area into a national park.

The designation would bar residents from making a living off
the land, including growing crop, said Avo Juhartono, head of the
Mt. Ciremai Conservation Task Force NGO, and deprive the
residents of 24 subdistricts their right to live.

Frederick Amalo, another activist, said the residents had
lived off the local land for years and no evidence existed that
showed they had damaged the environment.

"They have instead prevented the area from being damaged by
irresponsible individuals and illegal loggers," he said recently.

The Mt. Ciremai area is a highly fertile area and is a source
of clean water for the people of Kuningan and Majalengka
regencies.