Thousand Islands' reefs in trouble

JAKARTA (JP): Uncontrolled harvest of corals for export has left about 75 percent of the coral reefs in the Thousand Islands, north of Jakarta, in a deplorable condition, an official said.

The corals are mostly exported to Europe and sold as aquarium decorations, Djafar Tirtosentono, chief of the Thousand Islands Tourism Association, said Monday.

Coral reefs are one of the main tourist attractions in the island group, which is a popular weekend destination for wealthy Jakarta residents.

"Now that only 25 percent of coral reefs around the islands are left intact, what is left to attract tourists?" Djafar said as quoted by Antara.

Djafar called on companies licensed to exploit the coral reefs to stop their operations.

Fishermen who cast their nets in shallow water also contribute to the damage, he said.

Djafar criticized the government for issuing permits allowing companies to exploit coral reefs, despite the fact that Indonesia has ratified an international convention on the trade in endangered flora and fauna.

"The government allows harvest of certain types of coral, but companies harvest all corals indiscriminately because the authorities are unable to supervise their operations," he said.

"Money is all that they think about and they do not care about the long term effect they have on the reefs."

According to Djafar, about 41 percent of Indonesia's coral reefs have been badly damaged due to uncontrolled exploitation and fish bombing. Coral exports between 1992 and 1997 earned Indonesia only US$10 million, a pittance in comparison to the revenues generated annually by tourists, many of whom are attracted here by Indonesia's beautiful and diverse marine life.

Some companies buy corals from fishermen then export them to Europe, he added. (pan)