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llegal logging in the Lore Lindu National Park (TNLL) in Central Sulawesi remains unchecked, with 3 hectares of forest recently being cleared.

TNLL Conservation and Technical Affairs head Ahmad Yani confirmed the clearing, saying his office had arrested two people in connection to the case.

'€œThe 3 hectares of forest conversion took place in Watumaeta village in South Lore district, Poso regency,'€ said Yani.

Areas around 60 villages located in the park in Poso and Sigi regencies are prone to environmental destruction, especially deforestation.

Therefore, the TNLL Center will coordinate with the Poso regency administration to restore the forested areas, which were allegedly exploited by residents to make a living.

'€œIn the near future, I will meet the Poso regent to ask for support regarding the relocation of a number of residents from within the park area as well as reforestation activities,'€ he said.

Yani added that park authorities would not tolerate the area being exploited for any reason.

'€œWe won'€™t tolerate those who clear the forest or steal forest products in the national park,'€ he emphasized.

In several cases disclosed by park rangers, perpetrators usually argued that they only exploited the forest for health purposes, such as to make herbal concoctions.

'€œBut the volume is big and it'€™s not possible that logs are used for household purposes. It'€™s just a ruse,'€ said Yani.

He reiterated that park rangers would take firm action in line with prevailing laws against anyone proven to have caused damage to the park, irrespective of who they were.

Regarding reforestation efforts in the TNLL, Yani expressed hope that a program to restore 1,250 hectares of forest located in Poso and Sigi regencies would be realized by the end of the year.

According to Yani, about 15 critical locations in the park had been included in the forest and land rehabilitation program this year so that they could immediately be reforested so as to prevent landslides and flash floods.

He said one of the locations was the Dongi-Dongi area located in Nokilalaki district in Sigi, where a 3,900-hectare forested area had been converted into a settlement and farmland by residents.

He added that the land rehabilitation program in Dongi-Dongi would involve the Army and be independently managed by the local community. Significant funds had been allocated, Yani said, without mentioning the amount of funds earmarked.

'€œThe community will also be involved in the program and be responsible for maintaining plants and protecting the local forest,'€ said Yani.

Dongi-Dongi is inhabited by some 800 families, the majority of whom are squatters and others hailing from outside Central Sulawesi.

The TNLL is home to 17 mammal, 29 reptile and 14 amphibian species, with more than 50 percent of them being endemic to Sulawesi.