Coastal reclamation destroys mangrove forest in Lampung, says fish farmers

Bandarlampung, Ekuatorial – Dipasena fish farmers blasted company’s coastal reclamation for mangrove forest destruction that led to declining shrimp production. Mangrove forest, or often dubbed as the green belt by Dipasena fish farmers, protects their ponds from tides and wind. In addition, trees are also serve as water resources for shrimp ponds. However, at least […]

Six illegal fishing vessels arrested in Sorong, official says

Sorong, Ekuatorial – Following current policy to sink illegal fishing vessels instructed by Minister of Marine and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti, Sorong district court took up cases related to local and foreign boats. “From January to April 2015, Sorong district court has handled six cases of allegedly illegal fishing caught in Raja Ampat water. One vessel, […]

Whale Beached in Merauke

Merauke, Jubi – A 12 meters whale was stranded on the Kumbe Beach to the surprise of residents. The whale was still alive when discovered by residents. Semangga Sub-district Chief Recky Samkakai told Jubi by phone last week he heard the information about the beached whale but he didn’t know its size. Kumbe villager Veronika […]

Research reveals illegal forest permits exemption in Riau, says NGO

Pekanbaru, Ekuatorial – A Riau based forest watchdog found indicators for exempting illegal industrial plantation permits and plantation permits through revising the province’s spatial planning, said Widya Astuti of Hutanriau Foundation, in Pekanbaru, on Tuesday (14/4). Based on Hutanriau Foundation research in Siak and Pelalawan districts, it is allegedly found violation on ministry of environment […]

Recently released Sumatran tiger got confused in the wild

Bandarlampung, Ekuatorial – Not all wildlife animals can adjust after being released to its natural habitat, the latest case was a young male Sumatran tiger released in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park but eventually stranded in the wild. Jaya Supena, head of Region I of the national park, said that Petir, a three year old […]

Tambora Mountain inaugurated as National Park

Dompu, Ekuatorial – Presiden Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo inaugurated Tambora Mountain of West Nusa Tenggara as national park, in Doro Ncanga, Dompu, on Saturday (11/4). Mount of Tambora, located in Sumbawa island under administrations of Dompu and Bima districts, produced the biggest eruption known to mankind back in 1815 as its volcanic ashes darkened the world […]

North Sulawesi government steps up its game to fight illegal logging and forest encroachment

Manado, Ekuatorial – Following illegal logging and forest encroachment for plantation and mining, North Sulawesi official on Thursday (9/4) said that they have been inventorying activities to protect its remaining forest area. “Forest cover in North Sulawesi reach 764,739.27 hectares comprises of conservation forest, converted production forest, protected forest, limited production forest, and production forest. […]

Gemstone mining threatens Wonogiri protected forest

Solo, Ekuatorial – Recent high demand on gemstones is threatening environment in Wonogori forest of Central Java, due to traditional way of mining, said a local official on Thursday (2/4). At least three sub districts, — Kismantoro, Jatiroto, and Tirtomoyo –, are being targeted by local miners for Fire Opal stone which is claimed as […]