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