"They failed to present a valid forestry use permit issued by the Ministry of Forestry and also valid passports and work visas," West Kalimantan`s Head of Forestry Department Marius Marcellus said.Pontianak, W Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - The Regional Police Department of West Kalimantan has detained 19 Chinese men after they failed to present a valid forestry use permit.
"The 19 Chinese men were arrested on Friday, December 13, during a campaign by the Forestry Department to enforce the use of forestry permits," said West Kalimantans Head of Forestry Department Marius Marcellus, in Pontianak, on Monday.
According to Marcellus, the operation was conducted in Nyaban Conservation Area as a suspicious business was being run by PT Cosmos Inti Persada in Kapuas Hulu District of West Kalimantan Province.
PT Cosmos Inti Persada allegedly violated the Forestry Law No. 5 Year 1990 on Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystem.
"They failed to present a valid forestry use permit issued by the Ministry of Forestry and also valid passports and work visas," Marcellus added.
Moreover, the enforcement team found a 27,996 meter long and 10 meter wide road constructed by the company. Of the total road length, 18,801 meters was constructed in the limited production forest and 9,195 meters was in the conservation area.
The team also revealed the mining location spreads across both parts of the forest. Excavators, dump trucks, drilling machines, and dynamites were confiscated as evidence.
"We also found locals who worked as cooks and laborers. On the basis of GPS data has tracked the companys existence since March (2013), we presume the company has been operating for almost a year, "stated Marcellus.
Marcellus noted that all findings of the operation have been handed over to the Regional Police Department of West Kalimantan.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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