Embassy apologizes for cutting tree

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The British Embassy apologized on Wednesday to the city administration for cutting back an old banyan tree (Ficus benjamina) inside the embassy compound here, following an admonishment from Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso.

"Basically, the British Embassy apologizes for having cut the tree," Faye Belnis, a press officer of the British Embassy, told The Jakarta Post over the phone.

Belnis said that his office "trimmed" the tree's branches as they were obstructing the view of the security camera.

Belnis, however, declined to further comment on the case.

Governor Sutiyoso has sent a letter to reprimand the British Embassy over the cutting of the banyan tree.

Sutiyoso said on Wednesday that he was "very disappointed" with the British Embassy for cutting the tree.

"A great country like Britain should have been more aware of environmental issues," blasted Sutiyoso.

"It has happened right after we launched a campaign to plant trees in Jakarta," said Sutiyoso, referring to the launch of the "Green Jakarta 2003" on June 5. The launch of the program was marked by the planting of 3,000 trees.

Sutiyoso said the banyan tree, which was over 20 years old, had been recorded as a city asset.

According to City Bylaw No. 11/1988 on public order, the cutting of trees belonging to the city administration must be approved by the governor.

Any violation of the bylaw could result in a three-month prison sentence, or a Rp 5 million (US$609) fine.

But, Sutiyoso said his administration would not take any legal action against the embassy as it had diplomatic immunity.

"We will let the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handle the matter," said Sutiyoso.

Cutting banyan trees, especially old ones, for many Javanese people like Sutiyoso is a sensitive issue, as the tree is commonly believed to be sacred. Many believe the banyan tree shelters spirits. While the Golkar Party uses the tree as its symbol.

Belnis promised that the embassy would allow the tree to grow even though not a single leaf was left on the three-meter high trunk.