Mega project in Irian

I read with interest an article in The Jakarta Post (April 8, 1997) about the proposal of a mega project around the Memberamo River by State Minister of Research and Technology, B.J. Habibie. This is indeed a giant leap for Indonesian progress, by and large, and for Irian Jaya in particular. This means that there is hope for some prosperity, but surely not without risks.

One crucial thing that should be taken into account is the relocation of people affected by the project. It should be noted that relocation does not automatically mean solving people's problems, which may surface as a result of the project. It could only increase problems they have already had. Besides, the future of people must be taken into consideration. Will they have a bright future in a new resettlement area? Benefits of relocation should not be short-term, but long-term in nature.

Recruitment of local people is another problem. There must be social and cultural adaptations, because material and physical development is much easier than traditional and mental transformations. These are challenges that have to be faced and ways must be sought to minimize the risks involved

ROFINUS PATTY

Jakarta