Friday 11 April 2008

RI requests Malaysia take action against illegal logging

RI requests Malaysia take action against illegal logging

Antara , Jakarta Fri, 04/11/2008 6:11 PM National

The Indonesian government has asked Malaysia to take action against illegal logging along the border between the two countries, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said Friday.

"Forestry Minister Malam Sambat Kaban has filed a protest to Malaysia and we ask Malaysia to take action immediately," he said.

"We are expecting bilateral meetings to solve illegal logging activities. We have taken action and it is expected that Malaysia will follow suit."

Kalla also expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police for their efforts to curb illegal logging in the border areas.

Indonesia's provinces of West Kalimantan and East Kalimantan border the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on Kalimantan island.

TNI chief Gen. Djoko Santoso said the two countries had agreed to increase cooperation in securing their border.

"We discussed a number of issues during the Malindo general border committee meeting, including the construction of new border posts as well as joint posts," he said.

"TNI will build 14 more posts along the border."