Wood for domestic needs

Wood for domestic needs

From Koran Tempo

Since the application of the system of forest concessions (HPH) at the end of the 1960s, logging by non-HPH holders has been considered illegal.

Concessionaires are export oriented because export prices are far higher than those on the domestic market. In this way, local timber needs are supplied by illegal loggers.

As an employee of an HPH company working in a forest camp, I have witnessed such activities, but both forestry authorities and concessionaires have not been much concerned about it.

By the end of the 1980s, illegal logging began to be rampant. The government set up an integrated forestry team by involving law enforcers, but failed to overcome the problem.

According to experts, the average domestic demand for timber stands at 4.4 million cubic meters. Before the issue becomes even more serious, I would like to suggest that the government introduce a regulation on the procurement of timber for local needs.

DEHEN BINTI Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan