Mudslide and precautions

Pondering the merciless and disastrous mudslide that hit a hot spring resort at Pacet, Mojokerto, East Java, during the Idul Fitri holiday, causing death to innocent schoolchildren enjoying their vacation (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 12 and Dec. 13), I couldn't help wondering why the accidents couldn't have been averted. This could have been by virtue of an earlier warning, regarding the required precautionary measures to be taken, from the responsible authorities. This is especially true if it later turns out that the mudslide was the aftermath of continuous rainfall, giving rise to inevitable flooding originating from the destroyed forests around the resort.

What is rather bewildering is the fact that the tragedy took place at a hot spring, which should be an attractive tourist attraction. Not only should the regional forestry administration be held responsible but also the local tourism authorities should be called upon to account for the absence of supervision and control over the tourist resort.

Why must such tragedies occur in this country, as a result of, presumably, a lack of due diligence exercised by the competent local authorities? What will happen in the future, should local autonomy be fully implemented? Will the interests of the general public be better served under such circumstances?

S. SUHAEDI, Jakarta