Merapi eruption

Merapi eruption

From Kompas

The Merapi eruption revealed that thousands of people live on
dangerous slopes of the volcano, and many of them have become
victims of the calamity. The eruption has destroyed assets,
cattle and productive lands. This natural catastrophe should
serve as a lesson to all of us. The government, nature lovers and
national figures should be aware of the problem of population and
the supporting capacity of nature.

The forests on Java island have dwindled to ten percent of
Java's land mass. It is obviously incapable of supporting a
population with a density of over 800 persons/km square.

The government should take the initiative to reclaim the
environment which is now damaged. While the benefactors could
also contribute to a transmigration program for the Merapi
evacuees by providing them with enough funds to start new lives
in transmigration areas. The deserted land of the affected
population should be put back to its original function as a
protective forest.

PAULUS NUGROHO

Jakarta