Superstition leads to trees' demise<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The West Jakarta authorities will be replacing
\nshade trees with a different species following complaints from
\nbusinesspeople that the Angsana trees could bring them bad luck.<\/p>\n
According to a traditional belief among Indonesians of Chinese
\ndescent, Angsana trees have negative effects on business gains,
\nChief of West Jakarta's Park Agency Abuhir Siara said yesterday.<\/p>\n
He said they also complained about the trees blocking the view
\nof their signboards.<\/p>\n
\"Many businesspeople have tried to get rid of the trees in
\nfront of their offices, fearing a negative impact on their
\nfortunes,\" Abuhir said.<\/p>\n
West Jakarta is predominantly middle-class area and home to
\nmany members of the business community.<\/p>\n
Abuhir said that since people are not allowed to fell shade
\ntrees in the city, many have resorted to stripping the bark off
\nthe trees in order to make them wither and eventually die.<\/p>\n
He said that many trees along the streets in business
\ndistricts, such as in Kota and Angke, have died as a result of
\nthis tactic.<\/p>\n
The mayoralty administration has been unable to take action
\nagainst the tree-strippers, who are difficult to catch in action.<\/p>\n
The authorities have planted Glodogan Piang, a type of slim
\npine tree, to replace the other species.<\/p>\n
\"We hope they will accept this species, which is not too dense
\nor bushy.\" Abuhir said.<\/p>\n
The West Jakarta mayoralty, after planting thousands of shade
\ntrees, is well on its way to fulfilling Governor Surjadi
\nSoedirdja's \"one million trees\" campaign, said Abuhir. (03)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/superstition-leads-to-trees-demise-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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