Logging Threatens Lorentz National Park: Papua

When will the Indonesian Government wake up to the realisation that the country is being raped by greedy companies involved in illegal logging and destroying the natural wonders and precious rainforests.

Now, the Lorentz National Park near Mimika regency, Papua, is under threat from illegal logging according to an official from the Mimika Forestry and Agriculture Office.

The park covers in area 2.5 million hectare park in which is located five regencies — Mimika, Asmat, Yahukimo, Jayawijaya and Puncak Jaya.

Based on information from people living near the park, illegal logging was damaging the local ecosystem and threatening endangered wildlife, but, as a park renowned as a conservation centre with the most complex varieties of flora and fauna in Indonesia, it appears nothing is being done in a hurry.

Other threats to the park include an oil exploration plan by PT Conoco in the eastern part of the park, community logging in Wamena and Timika and community cooperatives in Agimuga district. Despite the park’s natural importance, it still lacks clear-cut boundaries, a management plan and any technical body to manage it, he said.

And then there is the American company, Freeport Indonesia, which dumps its tailings in the western part of the park.