Students launch environmental drive

JAKARTA (JP): In a turnaround from their usual street campaigning activities, a group of 105 law students from the University of Indonesia joined the Navy in activities commemorating Environment Care Week campaign, which commenced on Thursday.

"We have to achieve a balance... not only demonstrating on the streets," chairman of the university's Law Students Senate, Didik Sugiarto, said after a ceremony marking the campaign's commencement at Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta.

"In an attempt to contribute something to the nation, we -- besides criticizing the government -- will also directly help people living in coastal areas," Didik told Antara.

Most of the participating students were demonstrators who had taken to the streets many times to voice antigovernment opinions.

On this occasion, they were aboard KRI Teluk Cirebon-543, a warship heading for Lampung in the west to participate in a three-day voluntary program.

"We'll share our knowledge with local people and plant seaweed in the coastal area of Lampung in a bid to help residents cope with the economic crisis," Didik added.

The students departure on the vessel under the command of Maj. Gaguk Handayani, was witnessed by assistant for intelligence affairs from the 2nd Navy Squadron Base, Col. Sutjipto.

No explanation was given for the selection of a warship as the student's mode of transportation.

Base Commander Commodore La Ode Dayan's speech -- read by Sutjipto -- congratulated the "very important" student involvement because two-thirds of Indonesia is comprised of oceans, characterized by complex ecosystems.

"That's why the Navy is determined to enlist the support of young people in a "Love the Sea" movement." (bsr)