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