July 17, 2007 edition
TWO high-ranking state officials are squabbling publicly over the issue of operations to eradicate illegal logging. Forestry Minister M.S. Kaban insists that National Police Chief Sutanto reevaluate the performance of the North Sumatra, Riau and Papua regional chiefs of police. Kaban has accused them of conducting operations against illegal loggers in a haphazard fashion, saying that not only was there a lack of coordination, but they encroached upon the authority of the Forestry Department.
All three police chiefs however have rejected Kaban’s claims and are sticking to their guns saying that they are determined to eradicate illegal logging even if it costs them their jobs. It is already common knowledge, however, that on the ground, the problem is a tangled and complicated web. Police officers and forestry officials collude and conspire in order to benefit from money derived from illegal logging practices.
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More Cover Story articles in other editions
July 10, 2007 edition
July 3, 2007 edition
June 26, 2007 edition
The Attorney General’s Office is breaking new ground. Two special teams are being formed to re-investigate the Rp650 trillion BLBI debt settlement by former owners of banks devastated by the economic crisis 10 years ago. One target may be—once again—the boss of Gajah Tunggal, Sjamsul Nursalim. Documents obtained by Tempo point to possible crimes committed by Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI) he owned. The Attorney General at the time even asked the United States to trace BDNI’s assets there.
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June 19, 2007 edition
After a long search, police were finally able to apprehend Abu Dujana. Seven other terrorist suspects were rounded up several hours later. One of them, it was later discovered, was the interim leader of Jemaah Islamiyah. Although they now have less room to maneuver, this group should never be underestimated. Read also Tempo’s special interview with Abu Dujana.
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June 12, 2007 edition
June 5, 2007 edition