Mining and forests

Mining and forests

From Bisnis Indonesia

A number of non-governmental organization activists have protested against the government's decision to issue a license for 15 mining companies to operate in protected forest areas. They have also asked the House of Representatives to reject this decision.

Cursorily, what these activists have done is right. No sane Indonesian would like to see damaged forest areas that may bring about landslides, flash floods, forest fires, drought and other natural disasters.

However, if we think more broadly in terms of the state's honor, the government's decision in this respect must be supported because the Republic of Indonesia and the House of Representatives must honor a contract made with other parties. It is unethical for the House to side with non-governmental organization activists in this respect.

It must be borne in mind that the contract was made before these forest areas were declared protected areas. Therefore, the protests from non-governmental organization activists, if observed more closely, is but an attempt to bring shame to the country and the people. It is an "instruction" from foreign quarters wishing to disadvantage Indonesia.

SITI MISNATI Bogor, West Java