Jakarta – Environmental activists are demanding the government do more to end the intimidation and violence against people who report illegal logging.

"Some parties have resorted to terror and intimidation to protect illegal loggers. Activists, forestry officials and journalists are often subject to threats," Environmental Investigation Agency director Dave Currey said last week.

The agency said violence against people who reported on timber theft had worsened during the past 10 years. There have been reports of activists and journalists being kidnapped, attacked or intimidated by thugs hired by loggers.

"Journalist Abi Kusno was left unconscious after being attacked by armed thugs while investigating an alleged illegal timber business in Central Kalimantan," the agency said in a statement.