Environment and development

Environment and development

In the midst of our great success in carrying out development
during the past 25 years, we are faced with the bitter fact that
we have heavily damaged the environment, if not completely
demolished it.

The Forestry Minister is in a very difficult position, because
the destruction of forests throughout the country, particularly
in Kalimantan, is worse than reported.

All this is due to the population explosion and the need to
carry out development programs in order to enhance the
population's welfare through industrialization, the establishment
of resettlement areas and infrastructure construction. However,
society is also to blame for the destruction of the environment
because of their ignorance, or lack of concern, of its
significance.

Indonesia cannot be singled out as the only nation which has
destroyed the environment. The industrialized countries have also
contributed to its destruction. As a developing nation, we cannot
repair the damaged environment. The industrialized nations should
share the burden because it is in the interest of the entire
world.

-- Kompas, Jakarta