Can’t See ‘Deforest’ for the Trees

Mining companies are vying to gain entry into forested areas. The Environment Minister promises to take action against wayward companies.

March 18, 2008

A STACK of folders sits on the desk of the Head of the Office of Forestry & Agriculture of Murung Raya regency, Central Kalimantan. Sipet Hermanto, the man behind the desk, has finished processing a request for a forest-area usage license filed by PT Marunda Graha Mining. Now he is waiting for four similar requests which will be submitted shortly. “The Department of Forestry has just given permission to PT Marunda,” said Sipet, on Monday last

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