Recent landslides and flash floods in Indonesia, which claimed almost 300 lives, have set off a heated debate over logging being a possible cause.
Local environmentalists say the disaster exposed the government's failure to check the rampant illegal logging. But forestry minister Malam Kaban denied the charge, saying, "There is no illegal logging case as reported by the media. The disaster is caused by the conversion of many forest areas into coffee plantations." The Center for International Forestry Research, an international conservation group, supported the government, saying the landslides occurred since central Java is flood-prone and farmers have cut down forests for agriculture.
But other environmental bodies such as the Forest Watch Indonesia (FWI) are not convinced. FWI claims that illegal logging contributes to 90 per cent of all the timber in the country.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.