The Jakarta Post, Feb 3, 2006:
Illegal logging threatens parks
MEDAN, North Sumatra: Illegal logging threatens the future of Batang
Gadis and Gunung Leuser national parks in North Sumatra, according to
the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) on Thursday.
The forum said the destruction of Gunung Leuser in Langkat regency
had reached 25 percent of its 200,000 hectares, while Batang Gadis
park in Mandailing Natal had lost 15 percent of its 108,000 hectares
of forest.
The forum's executive director in North Sumatra, Job Rachmat Purba,
said illegal logging in the two parks had been going on for some time
and alleged that it involved the police, military and forestry
officials.
"Batang Gadis and Gunung Leuser national parks are facing critical
degradation caused by illegal logging activities," Job told The
Jakarta Post.
The director of the North Sumatra Police's criminal division, Sr.
Comr. Ronny F. Sompie, said police did not play down the alleged
involvement of officers in illegal logging in the park.
"We have received information on the involvement of officers and
several businesspeople in illegal logging in North Sumatra. The
police are currently gathering evidence to arrest them. We have no
reluctance to arrest any officers proven to be involved in illegal
logging," he said.
North Sumatra Police arrested four people, including a forestry
official in Mandailing Natal regency, for their alleged involvement
in illegal logging in Batang Gadis National Park on Thursday. -- JP
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