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