On Leuser Park

I was surprised and disappointed by the article Leuser Park - a battle unbegun by Donna K. Woodward (June 30). For a person who served for several years as an administrative officer in the United States consulate in Medan, I would have expected an article that offered constructive criticism -- one based on accurate information and which reflected sound reasoning. Instead readers were treated to a litany of anecdotes, false allegations and old fashioned debating tricks that makes one wonder what purpose such an article served.

The Leuser Development Program (LDP) aims to create the conditions for effective conservation of the Leuser Ecosystem. Serving such a large area of some 25,000 square kilometers requires good logistics. The "megavehicles" criticized by Miss Woodward (who, commendably, uses a bicycle for traveling around Medan) are a part of this support. They are standard project Landrovers imported duty free and thus cost about the same as a Toyota Corolla. The project field offices are important for the same reason, and contrary to Miss Woodward's assertions, none of these have ever been closed down.

For a person claiming to be a "management consultant" Miss Woodward's failure to properly check the facts regarding the LDP is disturbing. The suggestion that most of the money for the project has been spent is not true -- the real figure is about half. Even with this outlay, there have been significant results. For instance, some 400,000 hectares of forest in the Leuser Ecosystem, that would otherwise have been destroyed and converted into oil palm plantations and cattle ranches, have been saved. The 100,000 hectare-Singkil Swamp, which is currently being gazetted as a wildlife sanctuary, is just one example of this effort.

While it is true that illegal logging is a major problem in Leuser, as elsewhere in Indonesia, it is important to remember that the LDP has no mandate to enforce the law or to suppress legal activities. While the LDP has been active in lobbying against illegal logging, it certainly has never negotiated with the military over turning a blind eye to illegal logging activities. This allegation and others concerning supposed collusion are not only unfounded, but are serious enough for LDP management to consider pressing legal charges against the writer.

The task of saving Leuser's forests is indeed a "mammoth" one. Miss Woodward's remarks merely stir up doubt and play into the hands of those who would rather see those forests destroyed.

DENI PURBA

Legal Officer

Leuser Development Program

Medan, North Sumatra