Superstition leads to trees' demise

Superstition leads to trees' demise

JAKARTA (JP): The West Jakarta authorities will be replacing shade trees with a different species following complaints from businesspeople that the Angsana trees could bring them bad luck.

According to a traditional belief among Indonesians of Chinese descent, Angsana trees have negative effects on business gains, Chief of West Jakarta's Park Agency Abuhir Siara said yesterday.

He said they also complained about the trees blocking the view of their signboards.

"Many businesspeople have tried to get rid of the trees in front of their offices, fearing a negative impact on their fortunes," Abuhir said.

West Jakarta is predominantly middle-class area and home to many members of the business community.

Abuhir said that since people are not allowed to fell shade trees in the city, many have resorted to stripping the bark off the trees in order to make them wither and eventually die.

He said that many trees along the streets in business districts, such as in Kota and Angke, have died as a result of this tactic.

The mayoralty administration has been unable to take action against the tree-strippers, who are difficult to catch in action.

The authorities have planted Glodogan Piang, a type of slim pine tree, to replace the other species.

"We hope they will accept this species, which is not too dense or bushy." Abuhir said.

The West Jakarta mayoralty, after planting thousands of shade trees, is well on its way to fulfilling Governor Surjadi Soedirdja's "one million trees" campaign, said Abuhir. (03)