On Leuser Park

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