Community Involvement In Forest Guarding Constrained by Intimidation

By Imam Hanafi

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (Antaranews) - Community engagement program to participate in keeping the forest of looting and illegal logging constrained by interference from corrupt society.

Chief of Forest Monitoring of the Kotabaru Forest Agency, M Hariadi, here on Saturda, said many residents are reluctant to be involved as members of the Forestry Police Community Partners (MMP), as they get intimidated from outside.

"There are some people who originally prepared , then backward, because of intimidation and pressure from elements that are less pleased," said Hariadi, without explaining from what group persons who intimidate citizens.

From villager, who was appointed a member of the MMP, he confessed to be under pressure from those who are not happy with the new task.

So that people who gets mandate to look after the forest, they feel less comfortable, and worry about safety. That why they prefer to retreat.

Hariadi said, Kotabaru District currently has an area of ??approximately 412,462 hectares of forest, covering about 148,318 ha of protected forest and nature reserve around 66,650 ha. Limited production forest (HPT) approximately 21,229 ha, forest fixed production (HP) around 160,906 ha, forest production can be converted (HPK) approximately 15,359 ha and approximately 110,061 hectares of plantations.