An Indonesian NGO has predicted more flooding in Java if the government does not get to grips with deforestation on the island.
Greenomics said continued environmental degradation and deforestation could cause damage to towns, infrastructure, businesses, agriculture, fisheries and forests costing up to US$14.3bn.
The group quoted government figures of 330,000ha of land degraded and 102,000ha deforested in protected and conservation forests on Java between 2002 and 2004.
It believes only 364,000ha of forest will remain on the island by the end of 2006, with a danger of all forests disappearing by the end of 2008.
Greenomics used satellite imagery and field studies to identify 123 potential flooding danger areas along watersheds in west, central and east Java.
Indonesia’s forestry ministry said it would step up its efforts to eradicate illegal logging.
