Ministry Of Transportation Temporarily Stops Kayu Transportation In Flood-affected Areas
The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has temporarily suspended all roundwood utilization and transportation activities in three provinces affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
"In order to seriously adjust all operational activities that affect disaster vulnerability with serious mitigation measures," said Director General of Forest Management Lestari (PHL) of the Ministry of Law and Forestry Laksmi Wijayanti as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, December 9.
Business actors are asked to evaluate their annual work plan (RKT), prioritize environmental safety, ensure that water control infrastructure functions optimally, and ensure that there are no remaining slashing that can become a "natural dam" that triggers flash floods.
Routine patrols in landslide-prone areas and termination of logging in affected areas are also mandatory.
The government's main focus is now on handling drift wood materials that can be used to accelerate the recovery of affected areas.
The Ministry of Transportation has given permission to use wood washed away due to flooding for recovery activities with several conditions and mechanisms that must be met.
"The priority focus is on handling wood washed away to support the post-disaster recovery process," said Laksmi.
To prevent the practice of illegal logging and timber laundering, the Ministry of Transportation has taken firm steps.
"For the time being, the utilization and transportation of roundwood activities have been suspended until further policies exist," he said.
He also instructed forestry permit holders not to mobilize any wood.
All wood in the wood hoarding area (TPK) must be secured and reported periodically to the Lestari Forest Management Center.
This policy is referred to as an important step to maintain the integrity of the forestry sector while at the same time restoring public trust.
"Environmental safety must be placed above the production target," said Laksmi.