Land scam

Given that two former forestry ministers were named recently in a land scam that has cost the state over Rp 140 billion, it is not difficult to imagine that Soni Keraf inherited a fundamentally corrupt department. Thus, dealing with plantation companies responsible for yet more forest fires may be more difficult than it first appears.

But in a culture where face is almost everything he can begin with a simple principle. Name them and shame them.

Or better still, round up the owners and, having provided the necessary parachutes, drop them into the worst affected areas. Anybody at the Salim group willing to make the first trip?

DAVID JARDINE

Jakarta