Mar 05, 2007

Acheh: Anti-Logging Campaign


In efforts to preserve the region’s forest ecosystem, Acheh’s Governor Irwandi Yusuf announces plans to declare a moratorium on logging.

Below is an article published by IndiaMuslims.Info:

The Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) provincial administration will soon declare a moratorium on logging in an effort to preserve the province`s forest ecosystem, Governor Irwandi Yusuf said here on Saturday [4 March 2007].

"We are going to declare a moratorium on logging as soon as possible because most of the land in this province was deforested in the past decade," Irwandi said in his address at the installation of Tagore and Sirwandi as Bener Meriah district head and deputy district head respectively.

The governor said the provincial administration was committed to stopping both legal and illegal logging activities in Aceh.

"Logging is not the only way to feed the 4.2 million people of Aceh," Irwandi said.

Irwandi had on various occasions repeatedly stated that the natural disasters that had hit Aceh many times in the recent past, especially the recent massive flash floods that swept through seven districts in January, were the result of uncontrolled logging.

Therefore, he pledged the provincial government would take serious action against whoever was engaged in illegal logging.

According to Irwandi, forest resources in Aceh, including Leuser National Park that covers the districts of Bener Meriah, Aceh Tengah, Aceh Tenggara, Gayo Lues, and Aceh Selatan, should be protected and preserved for the welfare of the Acehnese people.

He said the way to improve the local people’s economy was developing the potentials of the province`s natural resources.

Therefore, the governor called on the new Bener Meriah district head and deputy district head to invite investors to develop plantations, agriculture and tourism in the district.

Irwandi also expressed hope that Tagore and Sirwandi would be able to preserve and protect the forests in Bener Meriah from illegal loggers because they were part of Leuser National Park.