Darlis M, Palu – The forest damage in Lore Lindu National Park (TNLL), Central Sulawesi, has worsened, according to Indonesian Environment Katopassa Foundation deputy director Ir. Muh. Yamin.

Some 12, 000 hectares or 5.5 percent of the total 217,991.18 hectare TNLL forest area have been damaged due to illegal logging activities during the last 10 years, Yamin told reporters in Palu on Monday.

Yamin said that damage had been seen in many parts of TNLL but the worst was in Dongi-dongi, an area in which 3,000-hectare eucalyptus trees have been cut down.

He went on to say that this area was considered as the main habit for the park's fauna. "From our investigation of the national park and analysis by Palu's Tadulako University environment experts, the park's worst damage is to be seen in Dongi-dongi," said Yamin.

Yamin has asked that the government immediately handle the matter as more and more people stealing wood from TNLL.