Indonesia's national treasures

I would like to commend the government of Indonesia for insisting on the immediate and safe return of some 100 Indonesian orangutans, currently and illegally, held in cramped cages at Safari World, Bangkok.

There should be no dispute; the facts are, these orangutans were stolen from Indonesia and sold to Safari World. International law is on the side of Indonesia. Money has been made available for the repatriation of the orangutans to Indonesia, where, I know, the internationally highly regarded Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation has the appropriate rescue and rehabilitation facilities ready to accept them.

These orangutans belong to the people of Indonesia -- they are your very own national treasures, which do not belong to either Thailand or to Safari World.

As I write today, these magnificent animals of the forest, sit in tiny cages whilst the Thai government, for reasons best known to itself (complicity has been alleged), tries to ignore this matter.

If you feel strongly these orangutans should be returned to your country without further delay, why not call or write to the Embassy of Thailand in Jakarta, and tell them you want your orangutans returned -- now?

SEAN WHYTE, Editor Rainforests, UK