Hiking deaths

Hiking deaths

The deaths of four young students who went hiking in the
mountains of West Sumatra this past week were very sad. They are
not the first such losses, and indeed, the regularity with which
such reports reach the papers suggests a large number of near
fatalities as well.

In the latest incident a statement attributed to a rescue
official to the effect that two of the four were lost because
"all the trees (on the mountain) are of the same shape" points
either to lack of proper maps per se or to inadequate map and
compass skills.

Having seen many groups of young locals entering Taman Gede
Pangrango ready to start the arduous hike to the wonderful
summit, I can say I have not once seen a map or a compass at the
ready. These young people have an admirable sense of adventure
but are they prepared for any contingency?

The new ministers of education and environment could both tap
their youthful enthusiasm and improve their skills by involving
them in a mapping project. The benefits would be enormous.

DAVID JARDINE

Jakarta