Warning for timber firms

Warning for timber firms

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The local government has threatened to
take punitive action against forest concessionaire holders who
refuse to employ indigenous people.

Chief of the provincial forestry office Soehardidjono said it
is mandatory for timber companies operating in the area to employ
local people and transfer technical know-how to them.

"Companies who fail to do that face harsh action," he
was quoted by Antara as saying.

He said the local government has issued a set of rules
requiring forestry companies to help develop human resources.

He added that companies are allowed to bring in employees with
specific skills that local people do not have. Menial jobs should
go to the locals, he said.

He warned that exclusion of the indigenous people will stir
social envy among the locals and this will disrupt development as
a whole in the easternmost province.(pan)