Samarinda – The condition of East Kalimanatan forests has now become cause for worry, in view of continuing illegal logging activities, while bids of conservation have not been very effective, sources said on Wednesday.

Syaifuddin, coordinator of the East Kalimantan Forum for the Environment (Walhi), said here that even licenced businessmen were still cutting trees in the forests.

Illegal logging, misappropriation of reforestation funds, and log smuggling were still rampant in the province, he added.

"We found that law enforcement has not been effective, so the the condition of the forests has been constantly deteriorating," Syaifuddin said.

He further said the regional administration's policy was not in favour of forest conservation, but rather favoured exploitation and exploration activities.