TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Around 1,300 hectares of mangrove forest, equal to 10 percent of the total mangrove forest in North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, is damaged as the result of illegal logging.
“Around 10 percent of the total 13,000 hectares mangrove forest, especially the ones existing in Babulu Laut coastal zone, are damaged because of illegal logging. It must be seen as a serious concern,” said Sugino, the Head of Forestry Unit of Penajam Paser Utara Forestry and Plantation Agency as quoted by Antara News.
“Many people use mangrove as main material for charcoal-making. The lack of people’s awareness on mangrove protection becomes one of the factors that damage the mangrove in this area.”
Sugino also added that budget for mangrove rehabilitation is minimum, despite of 1,200 hectares mangrove are severely damaged.
“The budget for mangrove rehabilitation was cut around 75 percent from the total initial proposal of Rp2 billion, only Rp500 million was approved because it is not considered as priority,” Sugino explained.
ANTARA | B KUNTO WIBISONO
