Feisol Hashim: Free market to prevail in Komodo park

Feisol Hashim, the hotel magnate that The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has chosen as its business partner in Komodo, is a self- proclaimed "conservation convert."

Little is known about Malaysian-born Hashim, although he has done business for more than two decades in Indonesia. The Jakarta Post interviewed him on the phone about his involvement in the Komodo project. The following is an excerpt:

When and how did you became interested in conservation?

It all began after I bought Kotok island (one of the Thousand Island chain north of Jakarta) in 1984. I saw people ruining the environment, dynamiting fish and catching aquarium fish with cyanide -- which all destroyed the coral reef.

The local government couldn't control the illegal activities, let alone myself. My business relied on the reef and they ruined it. The appalling situation converted me to the cause of conservation.

My first trip to Komodo was in 1989, and I fell in love with it. On subsequent visits I started buying land in (the main town of) Labuhan Bajo because I want to carry out a realm ecotourism on sea, the island, beaches and the mountains.

After 10 years of buying land, there came the economic crisis and a media frenzy (about the controversial park management plan) and everything crashed. I had to put my plans on hold for another two or three years.

How did you get to know about TNC?

I met them frequently. We went fishing and patrolled the park in speedboats together. So I knew what they did and we agreed to do something together for Komodo.

What does PT Putri Naga Komodo envisage as its goal?

All the profits will go to conservation -- 100 percent. People say only an idiot would do business and give the profits away. Maybe I am an idiot in that sense, but it is a long-term strategy. If the Komodo project succeeds, it would benefit my (other) businesses.

Is it true you control a vast amount of property in Labuhan Bajo?

I bought, not control, the land. "Vast" is relative. I know some people in Labuhan Bajo who regard me as a "landlord".

So how vast is "vast", exactly?

About 60 hectares, of beach, in the hills and in town.

Some people worry that if PT Putri Naga Komodo won the 25-year concession, it would eventually monopolize the tourist business in Komodo.

We will develop a community-based tour business and the market will remain free. It would even allow more business in the area. Everyone can come and do business.

What nationality are you?

I became an Indonesian citizen in 1990.

Are you related to Mahathir Muhammad?

Yes. He is my second uncle, but, mind you, I don't receive any privileges from him as prime minister. It (being Mahathir's relative) is more liability than asset in this regard.

--Pandaya