Forestry Minister Suspects Malaysia Involved in Illegal Logging

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Forestry Minister Muhammad Prakosa has said he suspects that Malaysian citizens are involved in illegal logging in Indonesia. The minister made this statement during a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Monday (17/2). When I and the Minister of Industry and Trade visited border areas in Kalimantan [borders with Malaysia], we saw heavy-duty equipment. We suspect this equipment belongs to Malaysian citizens that have committed illegal logging, the minister told reporters. Prakoso went on to say that some time ago nine Malaysian citizens were arrested in Papua because of illegal logging. According to him, illegal logging has become a chronic problem. It is like a chronic cancer. We will need a long time to handle this problem, he added. The minister also said that the government will implement a new system to wipe out with illegal logging not like in the past when operations were conducted together with the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police. This new system will mean that operations by name will be carried out. According to the minister, the operations will based on the names of suspects. Currently, the Ministry of Forestry is investigating the suspects but Prakoso refused to mention them by name. He said that the operations will process anyone who is allegedly involved in committing illegal logging, including those who have provided support. No matter who they are, said Prakoso. Even, if this includes DPR members and state officials. The operation will be conducted as soon as possible, though it needs time, added Prakoso. (Priandono --- TNR)