The pandemic can't stop the loss of Indonesia's forests

Indonesia has various types of ecosystems such as mangroves, property, sabana, season, and the most dominating is the tropical rain forest, even the tropical rainforest we have is the largest tropical forest in the world. Therefore, It is not surprising that our country is called a Mega Biodiversity Country because it has a high level of biodiversity and endemicity or uniqueness.,

The important role of forests

Forests are the last hiding place for the world's unique biological riches. Not only as a comfortable home, Forests also provide natural food for hundreds or even thousands of wild life. The various types of plants that make up forests are one of the largest oxygen providers for humans. Large and strong tree roots can hold water and protect springs and can also prevent natural disasters such as landslides and floods. other than that, The existence of forests can maintain and maintain soil fertility.

Illegal logging in Kalimantan continues to occur during the Covid-19 pandemic

The enormous benefits of forests are not balanced by their preservation. Forest destruction continues to occur through various means, one of which is illegal logging or illegal logging. Illegal logging practices still continue to this day, especially in areas with large forests such as Kalimantan. In January-May of the year 2020 At least it's recorded 5 cases of illegal logging that occurred in Central Kalimantan. The global Covid-19 pandemic has apparently not been able to prevent unsustainable forest use activities. Sadly, one of these cases involved several law enforcement officers, indicating that law enforcement regarding the problem of illegal logging is still not optimal.. Recorded approx 1.400 log, 658 beam type processed wood, 310 board type processed wood, as well as a wood production site in the form of Bandsaw/Sawmil illegal found. This type of wood has a hard texture and has a high selling value, such as Meranti (Shorea spp.) and Bangkirai (Shorea spp. and Hope spp.) even one of the typical plants of Kalimantan is Ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) become a target for illegal loggers. The existence of wide and deep rivers in the Kalimantan region is used as a shipping route for wood from illegal logging activities.

Of the five cases that were revealed, 2 The case occurred in East Kotawaringin Regency, which is one of the SCENTS monitoring areas (Science for Endangered and Trafficked Species). To date, SCENTS is still carrying out routine and intensive monitoring regarding efforts to utilize forests and biodiversity in East Kotawaringin in particular and Indonesia in general.. Apart from cases of illegal logging which still continue to occur and some of them have been uncovered by the police, SCENTS monitoring also shows more than 60% Wood buying and selling business units in Sampit and surrounding areas are indicated to be unlicensed and illegal. Unfortunately, this activity which is indicated to be illegal is still ongoing and has not been followed up with concrete action by the competent authorities.

The state's losses from both ecological and economic aspects are clearly visible as a result of these illegal activities. It doesn't just impact existing biodiversity, but in the end it will have an impact on human life. Forest destruction is a threat to all living things. Therefore, SCENTS will continue to carry out research activities, monitoring, increasing the capacity of the community and law enforcement, and law enforcement activities to encourage sustainable use of wildlife and suppress illegal activities occurring throughout Indonesia.

Ref:
– cold press : Police arrest illegal logging perpetrators in Cempaga
– Antaranews : Trucks loaded with illegal ironwood and meranti were found in oil palm plantations
– kaltengtoday : The Indonesian Navy secures it 1.400 logs from illegal logging in the Kapuas river
– OK : Involved in illegal logging and drug cases, a number of police officers in Central Kalimantan were fired
– infobanua : Illegal logging is still widespread in Central Kalimantan

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