Govt extends forest moratorium
Thursday, May 16 2013 - 02:14 AM WIB
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has issued a presidential decree that extends the existing moratorium on the conversion of forests and peat lands for another two years, according to a statement posted on Cabinet Secretary website.
The two-year forest moratorium was supposed to end on May 20, 2013.
??with this (I) instruct Home Affairs Minister, Environment Minister ? to continue to delay giving new permit (to convert) primary forest and peat lands at conservative, protected and productive forest areas ?,? President Yudhoyono said in the decree.
But, exception is given to vital national development projects in the areas of geothermal, oil and gas, electricity, rice and sugar cane fields.
The exception is also given to extension of usage of the forest areas as long as its business license remains valid, and ecosystem is restored.
The decree has taken affect since its issuance on May 13.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak