Map madness<\/p>\n
From Kompas<\/p>\n
Elementary school pupils in West Sumatra are usually told that
\nthe equator passes through Kota Bonjol, some four hours' overland
\ntrip to the north of the capital city of Padang. It means that
\nPadang is to the south of this equator. In Kota Bonjol you can
\nsee a monument as a sign that the equator passes through this
\ntown.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, in most maps, for example those published in
\nSurabaya, the equator is shown to pass through Padang, instead of
\nKota Bonjol.<\/p>\n
I have checked four maps published by four publishers on sale
\nat Gramedia book shop and three of them show this mistake.<\/p>\n
About two decades ago, when I was still an elementary school
\npupil, my parents pointed out the same mistake. In those days,
\nGhalia was the only map publisher. This mistake was repeated in
\nlater editions.<\/p>\n
This is a gross error because it is misleading to everybody --
\nyoung and old -- using the map. It may cause us to lose hundreds
\nof square kilometers if, for example, there is a border dispute
\nwith our neighboring countries.<\/p>\n
Relevant government authorities must quickly address this
\nmatter.<\/p>\n
RAHMAT FEBRIANTO<\/p>\n
Padang
\nWest Sumatra<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/map-madness-1447899208",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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