The Plunder of Ketapang

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

For years, a timber mafia worked in unison to plunder the forests of Ketapang, West Kalimantan. They consist of dealers, loggers, members of the Forestry Office, police officers, officials of the Forestry Department and authorities from the local regency government. The Joint Team of National Police Headquarters and the Forestry Department estimates that state losses amount to Rp32.4 trillion annually. This is equivalent to 26 times the 2008 regional budget for West Kalimantan province.

Three weeks ago, the Joint Team was able to dismantle the mafia’s timber network in Ketapang. Among those arrested were the head of the Ketapang Office of Forestry, the Chief of the Ketapang District Police, and a candidate for the office of regent. Tempo reports from Ketapang.

. tempo : 173225035268.

THE Pawan River has suddenly become deserted. Flowing through Ketapang regency, this very busy river usually full of laden ships appeared deserted and dismal. No motorboats or other vessels sailed to and fro as usual. Ketapang Port, which is located at the estuary of the river, was equally deserted. There was no loading and unloading of timber, which was usually accompanied by noises and shouting. Only one or two ships were there, unloading some

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