EoF (Nov 2005) APP clearcuts natural forest in Bukit Tigapuluh and Libo blocks

Company X, a contractor of PT. Artelindo Wiratama, is logging in natural forest of Bukit Tigapuluh Block in Indragiri Hulu District. The timber from this logging operation is supplied to PT. Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP).     Eyes on the Forest found that the truck loaded with timber from Bukit Tigapuluh forest block (truck’s police number BK. 9155 BM - Serial J 04-091- ) has a bill of lading issued by Riau Provincial Forestry Agency to supply timber to IKPP. Following are the information found on the document. o Timber Transportation Serial Number: IKPP C. 577138 o Name of Concession  : PT. Artelindo Wiratama  o Unit/Logging Block  : Kpts 522.2/PK o Loading Site    : Pesajian  o Initial of Driver  : Lgm  o Destination of Timber  : PT. IKPP  In its logging operation, PT. Artelindo Wiratama is using Industrial Timber Plantation License (IUPHHK) issued by the Head of District of Indragiri Hulu No. 74/2002 dated on April 11, 2002.      The Ministry of Forestry (MoF) is currently reviewing the validity of IUPHHK-HT issued by Governors or Heads of Districts, therefore, any logging operation based on IUPHHK-HT should immediately stop and all companies sourcing timber from such activities should as well stop all deliveries.    In 2004, Lembaga Advokasi Lingkungan Hidup or Institute of Environmental Law  Advocacy issued a lawsuit against PT. Artelindo Wiratama since the company is using “illegal” Industrial Timber Plantation License. However, the court rejected the lawsuit based on procedural argument, not on the legal substance of the permit. Recently, the Institute lodges a further appeal to the Supreme Court, Jakarta.