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