LDP to end in May 2002

LDP to end in May 2002

We were surprised that a newspaper of such high quality as The Jakarta Post continues to publish factually incorrect information about the Leuser Development Program ('Aceh's Leuser project halted, Nov. 26). Since there are still several parties with their own private agendas distorting the facts, we kindly request that The Jakarta Post contacts the Leuser Management Unit (UML) directly to confirm information it receives. This will prevent the Post unintentionally misleading its readers.

We would like to clarify that the LDP has not been "halted" and that neither of its "patrons", i.e. the government of Indonesia and the European Commission (EC), have made a "decision to stop financial assistance at the end of November" for any reason, let alone "for unspecified reasons". Thus, the EC has not "decided to halt aid to the project ahead of schedule for efficiency reasons", and no such statement was made by myself to your correspondent. Neither is it true that the EC "has halted financial assistance because it considers UML ineffective in conserving the national park" -- the Program is still due to end in May 2002.

In August 2001, contrary to the opinion expressed in the last paragraph of the article, the Head of the North Sumatra provincial legislature's Commission II on forestry, Drs. Azis Angkat, has made a recommendation to extend the LDP. Currently, the EC Delegation in Jakarta and the government of Indonesia are considering an extension of the LDP.

HARDI BAKTIANTORO

Press and Information Staff

Leuser Management Unit

Medan