Policy makers are also hamstrung by Jakarta's political uncertainty from taking strong action on reform. President Abdurrahman Wahid is facing impeachment by parliament for two corruption scandals, although he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, the story notes. Yet environmentalists are also concerned that the industry's debt problems could herald an even more serious threat to Indonesia's forests. Unlicensed sawmills have mushroomed throughout Sumatra, fed by trees felled in national parks and other protected lands. Roads are lines with thick, reddish logs offered for sale.
Independent buyers drive around in pickup trucks, carting the logs away to the sawmills.
Last year, a group of aid donors organized by the World Bank tied further lending for forestry projects to serious government efforts to combat illegal logging. Recipients should seek permission to reprint the article from the source listed above. Reading on line, downloading or other use of this information signifies acceptance of these conditions, and the Full Disclaimer.