Sutiyoso sets free 2,000 birds

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has set free some 2,000 birds, from 10 species, and planted the first of 350 fruit trees across Central Jakarta to improve the quality of the city's environment.

"I hope this little effort can lead to the start of a jumbo step to make Jakarta healthier and a more environmentally friendly city," said the governor at a ceremony at the National Monument Friday evening.

Among the birds freed by Sutiyoso, who is also the chairman of the Jakarta Bird Lovers Association, were turtledoves, bulbuls, nightingales, starlings and mynas.

In his speech, the governor ordered Central Jakarta Mayor Andi Subur Abdullah to take good care of the birds.

"Please keep an eye on them because they still need food and protection. They can die out there, without sufficient food supply," he told the mayor.

Later, Sutiyoso planted one of the 350 fruit trees to symbolize the start of a regreening campaign in Central Jakarta.

"I really have an obsession to make Jakarta green. I hope during my five-year term as Jakarta governor, I can fulfill this goal," said Sutiyoso.

He said he was hoping it would start raining soon to ensure the trees will be watered.

"And I hope you (the officials) take proper care of these trees and birds.

"Don't just say 'yes, Sir...' and then quietly take the birds home. Doing such things would make these programs worthless," he said. (07)