Local administrations must coordinate with forestry ministry in determining mining zone

By Bambang Atmaja

Secretary General of Forestry Ministry Hadi Daryanto said that governors and heads of districts have to coordinate with his ministry in determining areas for mining operation in their respective areas, a move aimed to protect forest from possible shifting to mining operational zone.

The statement was made following Jakarta's decision to give the right to determine mining zone to the provincial and district administration.

Hadi said that sanctions would be given to those ignoring the coordination with the ministry.

"If they (regional administrations) enter forest area, they must ask a permit from minister (of forestry)," he told Petromindo after a seminar of forestry.

"We will tell them (the governors and heads of district) that they have to coordinate with forestry ministry, otherwise they will be punished," Hadi said.

Forestry ministry bars operation of open pit mine in protected forest.

Editing by Adianto P. Simamora