Four mining firms get permits to operate in protected forests

The local government of Tagalong regency in South Kalimantan has licensed four mining companies to operate in the protected forests in the province despite protest from the forestry office, local newspaper Banjarmasin Post reported on Saturday.

The licensed companies include PT Bulungan Mandiri Lestari, PT Putra Mitra Usaha, CA Charisma Barito and PT Anugrah Mulia. The four companies are licensed to operate in forest areas, part of which located in forest conservation areas, in Dambung, Panaan, Kumap, Sungai Misin, Sungai Pasuang and Sungai Tutui villages.

The decision by the local government was however protested by the forestry office of the South Kalimantan provincial administration. The head of the forestry office, Sonny Pratono, asked the Tagalong authority to cancel the permits. (*)