Better map vital to support development in eastern area<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A more complete map of the eastern part of
\nIndonesia, outlining its natural resources in greater detail, is
\ncrucial for the government to succeed in developing the still
\nlargely backward territories, legislators said yesterday.<\/p>\n
The National Survey and Mapping Coordinating Agency, during a
\nhearing with the House of Representatives's Commission X,
\nresponded to the call by promising to update existing maps.<\/p>\n
The agency chief Paul Soeharto told the hearing that a
\ndetailed and updated inventory of the natural resources in the
\neastern provinces is crucial to support the government program.<\/p>\n
Members of Commission X, who are in charge of educational,
\nenvironmental and technological affairs, made a working visit to
\nthe eastern province of Irian Jaya last month and discovered that
\nonly a few parts of the province are mapped.<\/p>\n
The legislators raised their concern that without a complete
\nmap and data on the region's potential natural resources, the
\ngovernment would not be able to determine if foreign investors
\nwere over exploiting the resources.<\/p>\n
Paul said his agency couldn't provide new maps of the
\nprovinces due to lack of funds, technical know-how and staff
\nshortages.<\/p>\n
He conceded however that a new and bigger map of Irian Jaya,
\nthe country's largest province, is vital because of its abundant
\ntimber, gold, copper and agricultural products.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, President Soeharto also acknowledged the
\nimportance of accurate maps of Indonesia, particularly of areas
\nbordering Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Brunei Darussalam.<\/p>\n
The head of state even encouraged the private sector to take
\ngreater role in mapping the country.(03)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/better-map-vital-to-support-development-in-eastern-area-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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