Thu, 28 Aug 2003

Environmental terrorists

We all know that the present drought is the result of illegal tree-felling and the devastation of the environment.

However, what we have done so far is only to produce artificial rain, which is very useful in filling the reservoirs that irrigate rice fields. Nonetheless, if the rain is only to wet dry lands, hundreds of millions of rupiah would go to waste.

What is happening now is that while people are crying because of the drought, forest looters, backed by certain parties, continue their thievery.

Producing artificial rain is only a short-term settlement of our problem. We must not stand still at this point. We have to start looking for a long-term solution before it is too late.

We should never let ourselves be affected by those who only think of their stomachs. --Republika, Jakarta