The Unprotected Forest of Nantu
On May 19, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed the moratorium on forest logging, as evidence of Indonesia’s commitment to the Environmental MoU with Norway. Many of Indonesia’s forests have been exploited and destroyed, including Nantu Forest in Gorontalo. This site is known as the most important refuge for rare and near-extinct animals in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, the local authorities find it difficult to fight the destruction that has been going on for a long time, due to illegal logging, gold mining and harvesting of rattan and bamboo trees. What needs to be done to stop the destruction of Nantu Forest? A special report from Gorontalo, North Sulawesi for Tempo English Edition.
June 1, 2011
SIX large logs were tied up in one of the corners of the port at Mohiolo village, Asparaga subdistrict, Gorontalo district. With each log measuring about 4 meters, the logs were lined up beside the motorboat of a local resident. “That is not confiscated timber. The owner is a ’catch and carry’ worker,” an elderly gray-haired man suddenly spoke to a youth who was turning his attention to the wood. The one spoken to just listened in silence
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