President to sign decree on use of protected forests, underground mining

The government is expected to sign a presidential decree (Perpres) this week to allow the use of protected forests for geothermal and underground mining projects.

Minister of Forestry Zulkifli Hasan said last week that all related ministries have been agreed on the draft Perpres including forestry ministry, environmental ministry and energy and mineral resources ministry.

He did not give details. (*)