Riau to fight illegal logging

Riau to fight illegal logging

PEKANBARU, Riau: In the fight against illegal logging, Riau province will need an additional 30 monitoring posts with an operational budget of Rp 10 billion (US$1 million) per year, an official said on Monday.

"In the first year, we need at least Rp 20 billion for operational costs and in the following years, Rp 10 billion a year," said head of Riau Forestry Office, Burhanuddin Husein.

He said at least Rp 300 million was needed to construct each of the 70-square-meter posts, while the Rp 10 billion for operational costs would include the salaries of guards at Rp 1.5 million a month.

He anticipated the funding could be set aside from the state budget, as well as the provincial and municipal/regental budget.

"This way, all will share both funding and responsibility to ensure all the forests in Riau are free of looters," Burhanuddin said.

He also emphasized the need to impose heavy penalties on officials who were found guilty of protecting illegal loggers. -- Antara.