The impact of the drought

The impact of the drought

The mass media intensively alerted the public about the possibility of drought so that the entire country could be well prepared. This warning was expected to minimize the adverse impacts of this natural phenomenon.

Unfortunately we live in an anomalous situation as this warning has been construed as an attempt to discredit the government.

Sure enough, we now feel the impact of the drought. Mrica hydroelectric power plant, for example, must stop operating because of insufficient water supply.

We are also worried that a prolonged drought will adversely affect our agriculture, or that after the drought there will be floods.

Only two weeks ago world leaders gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, to draw up an action program for sustainable development. Indonesia also took part. President Megawati Soekarnoputri gave her commitment and when she visited other countries, she encouraged the heads of state or government to implement the Johannesburg treaty.

Of no less significance is an effort to encourage all Indonesians to look after the environment. We seem to be helpless against forest devastation, for example, resulting in both drought and floods. We have ignored environmental management for too long that our present development will endanger not only sustainable development but also our future lives.

If we really intend to save our environment, the President herself must lead the campaign for sustainable development. Our water resources, for example, must be maintained because water is the spring of life. If not, we'll be digging our own grave. So, act now before it is too late.

-- Kompas, Jakarta