09/05/2013 (TravelMole.com) - Steve Noakes of Ecolodges Indonesia has thrown his support behind a petition calling for an end to the destruction of native forest in central Kalimantan by palm oil companies.

The area is home to populations of orangutans.

"The Sekonyer River is critical habitat and provides access to Tanjung Puting National Park," said Noakes.

"The orangutans being murdered are cut off from the park and trapped on the opposite side of the river. They cannot swim. They cannot cry for help."

Noakes said the area is a highly prized tourist destination.

"Ecotourism provides a sustainable income for local people. It protects the rainforest. Palm Oil is short-term. It destroys everything forever," he said,

A group called Save Indonesian Endangered Species says palm oil companies have already cleared more 2,200 hectares of land alongside the Sekonyer River and Tanjung Puting National Park, killing at least 22 wild orangutans.

The petition can be found at: http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Stop_the_Oil_for_Ape_scandal_in_Borneo/?knVgxe