Scientists told to use morals
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.