Sandalwood endangered

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Governor Herman Musakabe has called for each family in the province to plant 10 sandalwood trees a year in a bid to save the species from extinction.

The fragrant wood, which is protected by law, is increasingly endangered due to illegal logging.

The provincial government has sponsored the replanting of 200 hectares of sandalwood in the regencies of Kupang, Northern Central Timor, Southern Central Timor, Belu, East Sumba and West Sumba.

Sandalwood from East Nusa Tenggara has been internationally known since the 16th century when Portuguese merchants visited the Solor Islands.

Tribal chiefs in Southern Central Timor called on the government Monday to take stern legal action against people who illegally logged sandalwood. (yac/pan)