Scientists told to use morals<\/p>\n
Israr Ardiyansyah and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post,
\nYogyakarta\/Tasikmalaya<\/p>\n
President Megawati Soekarnoputri called on scientists to take
\nmorality into account when utilizing biotechnology, saying
\nscience should be developed for human advancement and dignity.<\/p>\n
\"Scientists should not work just to satisfy their scientific
\nthirst, where the methods or results would impinge upon moral
\nvalues in Indonesian society,\" the President said at the opening
\nceremony of a conference on biotechnology in Yogyakarta on
\nTuesday.<\/p>\n
Megawati said moral norms that should be complied with might
\nbe relative, \"but sciences, including biotechnology, should be
\napplied for human advancement, prosperity and dignity. There
\nshould be harmony, instead of discord, among all sciences\".<\/p>\n
Megawati said she had been monitoring biotechnology
\ndevelopment in Indonesia for a long time.<\/p>\n
\"I am one of those who have observed closely scientific
\ndebates around biotechnology development, several of them
\nconcerning moral aspects.<\/p>\n
\"Problems have frequently arisen when the application of
\nbiotechnology encroaches on moral values and human destiny. In
\nthis context, I ask you to remain alert and wise,\" said the
\nPresident.<\/p>\n
Megawati said Indonesian people had placed so much hope in
\nbiotechnology experts that they could apply their knowledge and
\nexpertise to improve the quality of Indonesian products in the
\nagricultural and industrial sectors.<\/p>\n
\"The application of biotechnology in the field of agriculture
\nand fishery would give significant contribution to create genetic
\nresources with highly competitive prowess,\" said the President.<\/p>\n
She acknowledged that the uncontrolled exploitation of natural
\nresources in past decades had had a negative impact on the
\ncountry, even on the world at large.<\/p>\n
\"We need a proper policy to address these problems that need
\nbetter and proper attention. All these are important to maintain
\na sustainable development program that benefits the environment,
\nnatural resources and the people in general,\" she said.<\/p>\n
Prior to the conference, Megawati had to cancel officiating at
\nthe opening of the 10th National Agribusiness Exhibition and
\nholding a discussion with farmers and fishermen in Tasikmalaya,
\nWest Java, because of bad weather in the region.<\/p>\n
A heavy downpour forced the presidential plane to return to
\nJakarta after flying around above the town of Tasikmalaya for 15
\nminutes.<\/p>\n
Both the exposition's organizing committee and hundreds of
\nfarmers and fishermen expressed disappointment at the absence of
\nthe President at the planned meeting.<\/p>\n
The exhibition was finally opened by Minister of Agriculture
\nBungaran Saragih accompanied by Minister of Transportation Agum
\nGumelar and West Java Governor R. Nuriana.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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