Post-disaster Wood Utilization, Government Emphasizes There are Regulations

Wood waste that was carried away by the flood in Tapanuli, Sumatra (Antara)

JAKARTA - The government ensures that the use of wood for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction needs in Sumatra has a clear legal basis. Secretary of State Prasetyo Hadi said the regulation had been prepared and disseminated to the regions.

Prasetyo said that several days after the disaster hit the three provinces, the Ministry of Forestry had issued a circular to all provincial governments as well as districts and cities. The letter regulates the use of wood for the purpose of rehabilitation and reconstruction.

"The circular is about the use of wood if it is used for rehabilitation or reconstruction, including for the construction of temporary and permanent housing," said Prasetyo at the Halim Perdanakusuma Disaster Post in Jakarta, Friday, December 19.

He emphasized that the rules had been officially conveyed to the regional government at all levels. Thus, the use of wood by the community is not done carelessly.

"The regulations have been regulated and conveyed to the provincial government as well as the district/city government," he said.

According to Prasetyo, if the community needs wood for temporary or permanent housing, the process must be through coordination with the local government according to their respective authorities.

"If the community wants to use wood, of course it is coordinated with the relevant government at every level," he said.

The government hopes that the clarity of this regulation can accelerate the post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction process, as well as ensure that the utilization of natural resources remains within the applicable legal corridor.