Controversial conclusion

Controversial conclusion

Three cabinet ministers have said that the recent devastating
flood in Bohorok, Langkat, North Sumatra that killed more than
140 people was apparently a pure natural disaster.

The three -- State Minister for Environment Nabiel Makarim,
Forestry Minister M. Prakosa and Resettlement Minister Soenarno
-- made the conclusion after visiting the site of the disaster.

They said the catastrophe had nothing to do with illegal
logging and the construction of the Ladia Galaska road that
divided the Mt Leuser National Park.

Could we trust this conclusion? There are opinions saying that
the Bohorok flood was caused by deforestation due to illegal
logging.

In 2000, the damage covers 653,483 hectares while the
deforested area has reached 262,565 hectares. The park's total
land area measures 2,570,653 hectares.

Besides illegal logging, the park's devastation has also been
attributed to the construction of the road linking Aceh and North
Sumatra.

Thus, the conclusion of the cabinet session was unwise as the
ministers did not consider the psychological impact of their
statements. Their conclusion would certainly be good news to
timber thieves, who are supported by security apparatus, thinking
that they need not stop their illegal activities.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta