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)