Save forests first

Save forests first

From Pikiran Rakyat

With reference to a letter which appeared in Pikiran Rakyat on
Feb. 6, basically blaming a state enterprise for the
mismanagement of forests, I believe we should examine the origins
of the company; in this case, state forestry corporation PT
Perhutani, which was set up sometime before 1978 to rescue
severely damaged forest areas. Thereafter, its operation focused
on large-scale reforestation, particularly in West Java.

Harvesting followed only after forest conditions became
conducive to logging, which was managed according to the rules in
force at the time. Presently, illegal logging is widespread due
to the worsening economy and soaring prices of basic needs, aside
from the misinterpretation of reforms.

Meanwhile, global warming resulting from technological
development produces the greenhouse effect, and the El Nino and
La Nina weather anomalies have caused protracted droughts and
excessive rain, which are all further worsened by forest looting.

So, it would produce more positive results to strive to save
the devastated forests first, instead of accusing each other, and
the extant regional forestry regulations need to be enforced in
areas outside Java, where destruction has reached staggering
proportions.

ASEP BUDDY MULYONO, Bandung