Yudhoyono emphasized the need to improve the economic condition of local communities so they would not conduct slash-and-burn farming nor rely their livelihood on selling forest products.
Tegal, C Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has urged related stake holders to economically empower the people living near forests and on mountain slopes.

"It`s crucial (because forest) is a source of life. Forest which is not well managed, could cause disaster and affect the climate. Allah the Almighty would be angry with us if we fail to preserve the environment," the head of state said when holding a dialog with villagers in Bukit Batumirah, Mt Slamet slope area, Tegal District, on Thursday.

Yudhoyono emphasized the need to improve the economic condition of local communities so they would not conduct slash-and-burn farming nor rely their livelihood on selling forest products.

He said he had given instructions on the forest preservation in one hand and the economic empowerment of people living near forests in the other hand, for instance in the agricultural or animal husbandry fields.

The dialog with the president was attended by around 800 villagers including farmers and animal breeders living in Mt Slamet area.

During the dialog led by Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo, they talked about issues particularly concerning farming and cattle breeding.

Abdul Jafar Setiawan representing a local farmers` group, asked President Yudhoyono to control vegetable and fruit imports and to provide subsidies for farmers to improve their welfare.

President Yudhoyono responded that Indonesia as part of the global economies, could not fully stop fruit imports, but the government has certain policies to protect the interests of the country`s farmers.

On the occasion, the head of state presented financial and equipment assistance to local farmers` groups.

Among those present on the occasion were Tegal District Head Herry Soelistiyawan, Education and Culture Minister Muhammad Nuh, Public Works Minister Joko Kirmanto, Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, Cooperatives SMEs Minister Syarief Hassan, Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hassan, Agriculture Minister Suswono, Chief of the Indonesian Defense Forces Admiral Agus Suhartono, National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam and Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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