SINGARAJA

An alleged illegal logger who cut protected trees from the forests of the West Bali National Park was arrested at the weekend in Buleleng.

Gerokgak Police chief I Wayan Suarta said the 54-year-old man, named as Farthur, had been arrested after he was spotted by officers driving a truck loaded with nine lengths of freshly cut timber.

Farthur, from Sumberklampok village, did not have the licences to prove that the timber had been legally obtained.

Head of security for the national park, which mostly lies in neighbouring Jembrana regency, M Jatim, said that logging was a major challenge for officials.

“We have frequently reported cases of illegal logging in the forest, but the police often ignore us,” he said.