RAPP Defies Minister's Instruction: Greenpeace

Pekanbaru, Riau, May 13 (ANTARA) - Greenpeace Asia's chief forest campaigner Zulfahmi said that PT Riau Anadalas Pulp and Paper (RAPP) had defied Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan's instruction to stop its land opening activities in Kampar Peninsula, Riau province.

"The mobilization by RAPP of its heavy-duty equipment to Kampar Penunsula is proof that it resists and defies the forestry minister's instruction," Zulfahmi said here on Thursday.

He made the remarks in response to a protest by the local people against the presence of 15 units of RAPP's heavy-duty equipment which were doing activities in Kampar Peninsula.

The minister has previously asked the pulp and paper firm of the April Group to stop its activities in the region following the resistance of local people and Greenpeace activists in November 2009.

Therefore, Zulfahmi asked the forestry minister to give firm sanction against RAPP because its activities sharpened the conflict of the local people.

Local residents reported that at present RAPP has sent at least 15 units of heavy-duty equipment to Kampar peninsula. They are active in opening up land. Even, RAPP has shipped natural timber using two pontoon ships.

"RAPP should stop the operations of its heavy equipment until after the forestry minister makes an official decision, or else we will organize bigger actions," Buyung Siliwangi, a local resident, said.