Embassy apologizes for cutting tree<\/p>\n
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The British Embassy apologized on Wednesday to the city
\nadministration for cutting back an old banyan tree (Ficus
\nbenjamina) inside the embassy compound here, following an
\nadmonishment from Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso.<\/p>\n
\"Basically, the British Embassy apologizes for having cut the
\ntree,\" Faye Belnis, a press officer of the British Embassy, told
\nThe Jakarta Post over the phone.<\/p>\n
Belnis said that his office \"trimmed\" the tree's branches as
\nthey were obstructing the view of the security camera.<\/p>\n
Belnis, however, declined to further comment on the case.<\/p>\n
Governor Sutiyoso has sent a letter to reprimand the British
\nEmbassy over the cutting of the banyan tree.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso said on Wednesday that he was \"very disappointed\"
\nwith the British Embassy for cutting the tree.<\/p>\n
\"A great country like Britain should have been more aware of
\nenvironmental issues,\" blasted Sutiyoso.<\/p>\n
\"It has happened right after we launched a campaign to plant
\ntrees in Jakarta,\" said Sutiyoso, referring to the launch of the
\n\"Green Jakarta 2003\" on June 5. The launch of the program was
\nmarked by the planting of 3,000 trees.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso said the banyan tree, which was over 20 years old,
\nhad been recorded as a city asset.<\/p>\n
According to City Bylaw No. 11\/1988 on public order, the
\ncutting of trees belonging to the city administration must be
\napproved by the governor.<\/p>\n
Any violation of the bylaw could result in a three-month
\nprison sentence, or a Rp 5 million (US$609) fine.<\/p>\n
But, Sutiyoso said his administration would not take any legal
\naction against the embassy as it had diplomatic immunity.<\/p>\n
\"We will let the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handle the
\nmatter,\" said Sutiyoso.<\/p>\n
Cutting banyan trees, especially old ones, for many Javanese
\npeople like Sutiyoso is a sensitive issue, as the tree is
\ncommonly believed to be sacred. Many believe the banyan tree
\nshelters spirits. While the Golkar Party uses the tree as its
\nsymbol.<\/p>\n
Belnis promised that the embassy would allow the tree to grow
\neven though not a single leaf was left on the three-meter high
\ntrunk.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/embassy-apologizes-for-cutting-tree-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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