Guess What? Emil Salim

Guess What? Emil Salim

What is the most useful plant in the world?

"Bamboo," insisted Emil Salim, former minister of population and environment.

All parts of bamboo are beneficial. It can be used for building, thatching roofs and as a cure for asthma.

Bamboo also plays an important part in various environmental projects.

"Westerners may be surprised to know that Indonesians also eat bamboo," laughed Salim, who is currently active in the Bambu Lingkungan Lestari Foundation.

For the Minang (Minangkabau), the dominant ethnic group in West Sumatra, gulai rebung (bamboo shoot stew) is a delicious meal. "As a Minang, I eat rebung daily," Salim explained.

Javanese and Sundanese people also eat rebung regularly, he said.

Salim and the foundation have pledged to promote bamboo as one of Indonesia's commodities. At present, people tend to associate bamboo with low-quality houses and art work. To improve bamboo's image, Salim plans to organize an international bamboo congress in Bali next June.

"Bamboo is planted mostly by villagers. So far, big business has not shown any interest in developing bamboo plantations. Therefore, our efforts will benefit the poor," Salim pointed out.

Indonesia's main problem is a lack of experts who can invent uses and improve quality.

"I fully understand that the bamboo business is considered unprofitable. It's just the same as no one wanting to be a journalist at present," Salim smiled sourly. (raw)