PALU, Central Sulawesi: A group of activists
representing 18 non-governmental organizations went to the
provincial legislature on Thursday to protest the
plundering of the Lore Lindu national park.
In a statement read by one of the activists, Alimuddin
Pa'ada, the NGOs demanded the local government take action
to halt the destruction of the forest.
The activists said residents of Kamarora A, Kamarora B,
Kadidia and Rahmat villages had ventured five kilometers
into the protected forest and cut trees.
Dongi-dongi is the hardest hit area, according to
Alimuddin, who added that at least 80 structures had been
built by the villagers to store illegal logs, rattan,
endangered animals and resin they intended to sell.
Another protester, Thius Jehux, said the plundering of
the forest could trigger clashes between Napu tribes and
outsiders accused of plundering the forest. He said the
national park stood on the ancestral land of the tribes,
who were working to preserve the forest.
