Indonesia losing US$16 bln per year by natural resources theft

Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said Indonesia`s natural resources which were stolen each year reached a total value of US$16 billion.

"We have been losing 16 billion dollars every year since 2004," the minister said after planting a `sawo` tree within the Military Academy complex here on Thursday.

He said based on a report he had received from the Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries, the theft included illegal logging, fish poaching, drug and human trafficking.

Juwono said the defense ministry was cooperating with other agencies such as the customs and excise office to build a joint weaponry strength for joint patrols to fight natural resource theft.

He said the natural resource thieves had strong capital and ships and were well-organized to operate illegally in Indonesia`s waters.

"They are well-organized in carrying out illegal logging, fish poaching and smuggling (particularly fuel oils)," he said.