On Leuser Park<\/p>\n
I was surprised and disappointed by the article Leuser Park -
\na battle unbegun by Donna K. Woodward (June 30). For a person who
\nserved for several years as an administrative officer in the
\nUnited States consulate in Medan, I would have expected an
\narticle that offered constructive criticism -- one based on
\naccurate information and which reflected sound reasoning. Instead
\nreaders were treated to a litany of anecdotes, false allegations
\nand old fashioned debating tricks that makes one wonder what
\npurpose such an article served.<\/p>\n
The Leuser Development Program (LDP) aims to create the
\nconditions for effective conservation of the Leuser Ecosystem.
\nServing such a large area of some 25,000 square kilometers
\nrequires good logistics. The \"megavehicles\" criticized by Miss
\nWoodward (who, commendably, uses a bicycle for traveling around
\nMedan) are a part of this support. They are standard project
\nLandrovers imported duty free and thus cost about the same as a
\nToyota Corolla. The project field offices are important for the
\nsame reason, and contrary to Miss Woodward's assertions, none of
\nthese have ever been closed down.<\/p>\n
For a person claiming to be a \"management consultant\" Miss
\nWoodward's failure to properly check the facts regarding the LDP
\nis disturbing. The suggestion that most of the money for the
\nproject has been spent is not true -- the real figure is about
\nhalf. Even with this outlay, there have been significant results.
\nFor instance, some 400,000 hectares of forest in the Leuser
\nEcosystem, that would otherwise have been destroyed and converted
\ninto oil palm plantations and cattle ranches, have been saved.
\nThe 100,000 hectare-Singkil Swamp, which is currently being
\ngazetted as a wildlife sanctuary, is just one example of this
\neffort.<\/p>\n
While it is true that illegal logging is a major problem in
\nLeuser, as elsewhere in Indonesia, it is important to remember
\nthat the LDP has no mandate to enforce the law or to suppress
\nlegal activities. While the LDP has been active in lobbying
\nagainst illegal logging, it certainly has never negotiated with
\nthe military over turning a blind eye to illegal logging
\nactivities. This allegation and others concerning supposed
\ncollusion are not only unfounded, but are serious enough for LDP
\nmanagement to consider pressing legal charges against the writer.<\/p>\n
The task of saving Leuser's forests is indeed a \"mammoth\" one.
\nMiss Woodward's remarks merely stir up doubt and play into the
\nhands of those who would rather see those forests destroyed.<\/p>\n
DENI PURBA<\/p>\n
Legal Officer<\/p>\n
Leuser Development Program<\/p>\n
Medan, North Sumatra<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/on-leuser-park-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }