Press Release: Forests in Java are Threatened, ProFauna Calls For Forest Protection Movement

(02/25/2010) The decreasing forests in Java Island threats the lives of humans and wildlife, especially those endemic to the Island. The recently increasing natural and man-made disasters indicate that forests have degraded.

Based on the deforestation rates published by the Forestry Department for 2003 - 2006 periods, the rate in Java Island was 2500 hectares per year or 0.2% of the total deforestation in Indonesia. It is estimated, by using the rates for 2007 - 2010 periods, that the remaining forests in Java Island is 10,000 hectares. This figure shows how threatening the forest condition towards human and wildlife in Java Island is. Furthermore, the Forestry Department estimation showed that the largest deforestation in Java Island happens in East Java for 438.1 hectares/year consisting of primary forests for hectares/year (5,7%), secondary forests for 43.6 hectares/year (9,9% ), and the other forests for 369.5 hectares/year (84,3%).

Flood and landslide are two of many impacts caused by deforestation. In Malang city, where ProFauna's headquarters are situated, the organization has recorded that the landslide hazard hotspots surrounding the city are including Pujon, Singosari, Lawang, Sumber Brantas Batu, Pujiharjo of Southern Malang, and Sendang Biru.

While the wildlife endemic Java Island threatened by deforestation are Javan langur (Trachypithecus auratus), Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch), Javan surili (Presbytis comata), leopard (Panthera pardus), Javan hawk-eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi), and green peafowl (Pavo muticus). These species become endangered because of not only habitat loss but also poaching for trade.

For these reasons, ProFauna has started campaigning for forest protection in Java. On 25 February 2010, ProFauna stages a unique demonstration on Ijen street boulevard in Malang city, East Java, Indonesia. During the peaceful public campaign, ProFauna's activists cover their heads with paper bags with tree pictures on them while stretching banners saying "Save Forests in Java".

The campaign is conducted as ProFauna demands the government to stop the deforestation in Java. ProFauna's records show that forest degradation in Java is due to land conversion for farming fields and plantations. This is worsened further by the lack of control posts in forestry areas which allows deforestation and illegal wildlife poaching. ProFauna urges the government to strengthen the forestry control in Java by placing patrol units in the forest exit points. Save forests in Java!

For further information, please contact:

• Swasti Prawidya Mukti

  (International Affairs Officer, ProFauna Indonesia)
  Email: international@profauna.net
  Mobile: +62 856 369 3611