On Bollgard seeds from South Africa

With regard to an article published in The Jakarta Post on March 17, 2001, on Genetically modified cotton seed arrives in Makassar from South Africa, we would like to clarify some points made in the said article.

Upon the issuance of Minister of Agriculture Decree No. 107/Kpts./KB.430/2/2001, we received a permit from the director general for plantation crops (dated March 2) to import 40.2 tons of Bollgard cotton seed from South Africa.

As the developer/producer of Bollgard seeds, we emphasize that all procedures for import and quarantine have been fully complied with in accordance with the existing laws in Indonesia.

The Bollgard seeds were imported from South Africa and transported into Makassar, Indonesia, by chartered flight. The seeds have undergone a preclearance inspection conducted by Indonesian Quarantine officials in South Africa. As we are aware, the objective of conducting quarantine is to minimize the risk of Plant Quarantine Pests from exporting countries in entering Indonesia. The preclearance inspection as done by Indonesian Quarantine officials in South Africa is, in fact, better because the risks are eliminated in the country of origin and this also prevents more losses in case the seeds are rejected due to some problems.

Such agreements between two countries, i.e. Indonesia and South Africa, are possible and do not go against Law No. 16 or any other existing international accord.

Specifically with regard to the importation of the Bollgard cotton seeds from South Africa, we have received a guarantee from the government/authority body of South Africa which certified the seeds were free from the pests and, at the same time, Indonesian Quarantine officials conducted a direct inspection in South Africa to confirm this.

We hope that this information is shared with the readers of the Post as the article on March 17 is damaging to Monsanto's reputation. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 3903141 or tri.soekirman@monsanto.com.

TRI SOEKIRMAN

Corp. Communication Manager

Monsanto Indonesia