Elephant exploitation (1)

Elephant exploitation (1)

We always thought The Jakarta Post was a newspaper that
understood matters related to environmental conservation as it
has frequently published articles on natural preservation.

But we changed our opinion after we read the newspaper's
article and advertisement on April 19, 2000 and April 22, 2000 on
the "exploitation" of elephants by the Post in the context of
celebrating its 17th anniversary.

On behalf of The Animal Conservation for Life (KSBK), a non-
governmental organization with an international network operating
for the protection of wild animals from exploitation, we would
like to state the following:

1. We highly regret and strongly protest the tug-of-war
contest between elephant and men held by the Post in cooperation
with Taman Safari Indonesia on April 23, 2000 in Jakarta. This
activity has no element of education and conservation at all. It
is mere entertainment and positions elephants as wild animals fit
for "exploitation".

2. We deeply deplore that a newspaper of the importance of the
Post is trapped in a very narrow way of thinking in assessing the
conservation of animals, especially elephants. Currently the most
important issue in the conservation of elephants is conservation
in their natural habitat (in situ) and not outside, in this case
by using elephants for amusement.

3. There are many ways to celebrate an anniversary and to show
concern for the conservation of wild animals; but the Post chose
to celebrate its 17th anniversary by "exploiting" elephants with
a tug-of-war competition.

ROSEK NURSAHID

KSBK Director

Malang, East Java