Rear Adm. S. Irawan, secretary of the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), which confiscated the charcoal, told The Jakarta Post on Dec. 27 that the agency would strengthen its surveillance of mangrove charcoal exports following the issuance of an export limit regulation by the Environment and Forestry Ministry.

The ministry designated Batam a mangrove conservation zone in June, which limits the amount of mangrove charcoal exports.

“During Christmas, two corporations tried to export three containers of mangrove charcoal worth Rp 12 billion to Singapore and China,” Irawan said.

He added that, based on Bakamla data, more than 38 containers of mangrove charcoal were shipped to Singapore each month. Mangrove charcoal is popular among restaurants and families for its low-moisture content and various other characteristics.

The charcoal provides longer burn times and high heat combustion with low spark and smoke levels.

“We prevent the export of charcoal that is made from conserved mangrove. Such a practice could result in environmental damages if left unchecked,” he said.

Batam Industry and Trade Agency head Gustian Riau said the agency handed out charcoal export permits to corporations that did not use conservation forests.

“So far there has been no export ban on mangrove charcoal, but the charcoal’s origins have to be clear,” Gustian said.

He added there were between two and five mangrove charcoal industries in Batam that exported charcoal. The majority of the exports consist of high-quality charcoal for restaurants and households in countries such as Singapore and China. (mpr)