Better map vital to support development in eastern area

JAKARTA (JP): A more complete map of the eastern part of Indonesia, outlining its natural resources in greater detail, is crucial for the government to succeed in developing the still largely backward territories, legislators said yesterday.

The National Survey and Mapping Coordinating Agency, during a hearing with the House of Representatives's Commission X, responded to the call by promising to update existing maps.

The agency chief Paul Soeharto told the hearing that a detailed and updated inventory of the natural resources in the eastern provinces is crucial to support the government program.

Members of Commission X, who are in charge of educational, environmental and technological affairs, made a working visit to the eastern province of Irian Jaya last month and discovered that only a few parts of the province are mapped.

The legislators raised their concern that without a complete map and data on the region's potential natural resources, the government would not be able to determine if foreign investors were over exploiting the resources.

Paul said his agency couldn't provide new maps of the provinces due to lack of funds, technical know-how and staff shortages.

He conceded however that a new and bigger map of Irian Jaya, the country's largest province, is vital because of its abundant timber, gold, copper and agricultural products.

Earlier this year, President Soeharto also acknowledged the importance of accurate maps of Indonesia, particularly of areas bordering Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Brunei Darussalam.

The head of state even encouraged the private sector to take greater role in mapping the country.(03)