Making use of our natural resources<\/p>\n
The Busang case is still shrouded in confusion. Considerable
\nefforts will be needed to determine the size of the reserves
\ncontained in the Busang I and Busang II fields.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, we must wait on the diagnosis of a team of
\ngeologists, including experts from Bre-X, Freeport McMoran, PT
\nNusamba, JP Morgan, PT Stratchona Mineral Services, and from the
\nMinistry of Mines and Energy.<\/p>\n
The Busang controversy flared up once again after two events
\nin March. Firstly, there was the death of Michael de Gusman, the
\nBre-X Minerals Ltd. Explorations Manager. Some authorities have
\nclaimed that De Gusman's fall from a helicopter passing over the
\njungle in the Busang area was suicide.<\/p>\n
Secondly, there was the revelation the Busang gold reserves
\nwere possibly far lower than levels claimed by Bre-X -- a mere 15
\nmillion ounces, which would rule out mining.<\/p>\n
It is suspected that Gusman had given an inaccurate assessment
\nof the Busang gold deposits, an act which misled investors in the
\nstock exchange. If this is true, he also misled the Indonesian
\ngovernment and people.<\/p>\n
This case has taught us valuable lessons. It has demonstrated
\njust how ignorant we are of the actual content of our soil. It
\nhas revealed our dependency on expert opinion. And it has shown
\nthat sometimes what we are told serves interests other than our
\nown.<\/p>\n
Paragraph 3 in Article 33 of our Constitution stipulates that
\n"land and water and the natural riches contained therein shall be
\ncontrolled by the State and shall be made use of for the greatest
\nbenefit of the people."<\/p>\n
The phrase "controlled by the State", is open to different
\ninterpretations. On the other hand, there is certainly a
\nconsensus that whatever form this state control may take, the
\n"greatest benefit of the people" must be served -- that is to say
\nthe natural riches must be managed accordingly.<\/p>\n
The problem is finding a way to establish control over our
\nnatural resources which are uncertain in content. The mapping of
\nour forests and exploration for minerals will be expensive and
\ncomplicated -- calling on two scarce inputs into the development
\nprocess -- money and technology.<\/p>\n
The dilemma is obvious. We must devote greater attention to
\nour natural resources. These endowments are both vital for our
\ndevelopment, and a source of international competitiveness. In
\nthis day and age, our technological and economic progress places
\nus in a better-than-ever position to do so.<\/p>\n
-- Kompas, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/making-use-of-our-natural-resources-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }