Nature reserve needs protection

Nature reserve needs protection

From Kompas

An article in Kompas on May 31, 2002 talks about the natural
potential of Sempu Island. The writer suggests that this island
should be made into a tourist resort.

In this respect, the writer may not have been aware that the
island is a nature reserve due to its unique vegetation, animals
and ecosystem and must therefore be protected.

This area is protected so that it develops naturally and is
used only for research, scientific and educational purposes and
must not be used as a camping ground or a resort for recreation
and adventure. A special permit is needed to enter this nature
reserve.

Sempu Island was made a nature reserve by virtue of the
decision issued by Dutch Indies governor general on March 15,
1928, in Decision No. 46, Statute Book No. 69. Measuring a total
of 877 hectares and managed by East Java Center II for Natural
Resources Conservation, it is one of conservation areas in
Indonesia.

The above article reminds us, however, what a great and
diversified natural environment this country is endowed with
which belongs to the entire Indonesian people, in particular, and
to the world community, in general. This potential must be
conserved to ensure that it will benefit our present life and the
future generations.

DENI

Malang, East Java