Govt dratting decree on use of protected forests for geothermal, mining projects

The government is formulating a presidential decree allowing the use of protected forests for geothermal and underground mining projects.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a cabinet meeting on Thursday that that government wanted mining projects that will bring benefits to the public and won't cause damage on environment at the same time.

Minister of Forestry Zulkifli Hasan said most of geothermal resources were located in protected forest areas.

"We already has a a law that allows it (the development of geothermal resources in proteced forest areas), a governmental regulation that also allows it. We have yet however to have a presidential decree (regulating the matter)," Zulkifli said. (*)