Scientists told to use morals
Israr Ardiyansyah and Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta/Tasikmalaya
President Megawati Soekarnoputri called on scientists to take morality into account when utilizing biotechnology, saying science should be developed for human advancement and dignity.
"Scientists should not work just to satisfy their scientific thirst, where the methods or results would impinge upon moral values in Indonesian society," the President said at the opening ceremony of a conference on biotechnology in Yogyakarta on Tuesday.
Megawati said moral norms that should be complied with might be relative, "but sciences, including biotechnology, should be applied for human advancement, prosperity and dignity. There should be harmony, instead of discord, among all sciences".
Megawati said she had been monitoring biotechnology development in Indonesia for a long time.
"I am one of those who have observed closely scientific debates around biotechnology development, several of them concerning moral aspects.
"Problems have frequently arisen when the application of biotechnology encroaches on moral values and human destiny. In this context, I ask you to remain alert and wise," said the President.
Megawati said Indonesian people had placed so much hope in biotechnology experts that they could apply their knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of Indonesian products in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
"The application of biotechnology in the field of agriculture and fishery would give significant contribution to create genetic resources with highly competitive prowess," said the President.
She acknowledged that the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources in past decades had had a negative impact on the country, even on the world at large.
"We need a proper policy to address these problems that need better and proper attention. All these are important to maintain a sustainable development program that benefits the environment, natural resources and the people in general," she said.
Prior to the conference, Megawati had to cancel officiating at the opening of the 10th National Agribusiness Exhibition and holding a discussion with farmers and fishermen in Tasikmalaya, West Java, because of bad weather in the region.
A heavy downpour forced the presidential plane to return to Jakarta after flying around above the town of Tasikmalaya for 15 minutes.
Both the exposition's organizing committee and hundreds of farmers and fishermen expressed disappointment at the absence of the President at the planned meeting.
The exhibition was finally opened by Minister of Agriculture Bungaran Saragih accompanied by Minister of Transportation Agum Gumelar and West Java Governor R. Nuriana.