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