Hasrul, Kendari – A group of students protested in front of the Southeast Sulawesi legislative council Sunday, demanding an investigation into illegal logging on Buton Island.

They alleged Buton Regent Sjafei Kahar was involved, which was why no progress had been made in the case. The students had earlier marched to the local police station, but no one there was prepared to meet with them.

"Because we were not received by police, we came here to voice our demands directly," protest coordinator Firmansyah said. "The central government is determined to end illegal logging, but the practice on Buton Island even involves its regent," Firmansyah said.

The students had launched their own investigation into the case, uncovering a decree signed by the regent. The decree gave illegal loggers the green light but it was cleverly worded, so it made it sound like it was about protecting the environment, he said.

The students informed police of the decree's contents and the head of the Buton forestry office, Abidin Baso, was consequently named a suspect. The students urged Southeast Sulawesi Police to investigate illegal logging in Wahina protected forest, Todanga, Kapontori.