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