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