284 Kayu Gelondongan From The US Enters South Kalimantan, Quarantine Center Checks Potential Disturbances

Quarantine officers who inspect logs from the United States (US) in South Kalimantan. (ANTARA/Firman)

SOUTH KALIMANTAN - The South Kalimantan (Kalsel) Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center conducted an examination of 284 logs (logs) from the United States (US) at an anisalwood company in Barito Kuala Regency, South Kalimantan.

"The examination of documents and the physical one is to ensure complete the requirements, as well as the suitability of the types and number of commodities," said Head of the South Kalimantan Quarantine Sudirman in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Saturday, June 8, which was confiscated by Antara.

Sudirman explained that the examination was also carried out to ensure that there were no quarantine plant-disturbing organisms (OPTK) in the form of wood-gagging insects, namely Xestobium rufovillosum and Xyleborus spp on the logs.

Signs of the presence of trailing insects can be seen from the frass signature or the results of adult insect movements that appear on the bark.

The search is carried out carefully using wood carving tools (tates) and hammers because these insects are usually found in a hole behind the bark.

If an insect is found, the findings will be taken to a quarantine laboratory for further identification.

"From the identification results, it will be known whether the insects found are among the types targeted by OPTK," he said.

Sudirman stated that the quarantine action taken was an effort to prevent the entry of foreign organisms from abroad that could endanger local biological resources.

After the inspection is carried out, the Quarantine Center can only issue a Plant Quarantine Release Certificate (KT-9).