Waste imports

Waste imports and common sense

The problem of waste imports to Indonesia from foreign countries has received a great deal of attention among certain circles. There are at least 58 containers in Tanjung Priok containing toxic waste which originated in Rotterdam. A special Dutch team came to Indonesia to examine the containers and their contents. It turns out, according to the team, that only four containers are filled with Dutch waste and belong to Dutch exporters.

Apart from the problem of waste import itself, what is actually import and what is the process? Import is a deal or agreement between exporters (sellers) and importers (buyers). The importers agree to buy certain goods from the exporters. The commodity or goods known to both parties are shipped to the importing country. The captain of the ship, by loading the cargo/containers onto his ship, signs a Bill of Lading (B/L) which mentions the kind of goods, quantity etc. This B/L serves as one of the import documents, needed by the exporters for bank negotiations and for the importers to receive the goods shipped. The captain, however, does not examine or convince himself of the real contents of the containers. In addition to the description about the goods as mentioned, the captain's signature on the B/L does not confirm the exact contents of the containers and only states: "Said to contain" followed by a description of the goods. So consequently the shipping company cannot be held responsible for the contents of the container.

Who else must be held responsible? Logically the importers consciously or unconsciously play the most important role in the transaction. It might happen that the importer does not receive the goods he purchased, and receives waste instead. That is then a different matter. But anyhow the one who has to be held responsible is of course the importer. It is not a big problem for customs officials and the police to trace the importer. As this happens from year to year, it's time for the Indonesian government to seek a solution (regulation) to prevent such malpractices. As a start to examining this controversial transaction, we may also ask the Dutch team to investigate the Dutch waste exporter, and if necessary confront them with the waste importer in Indonesia through the International Chamber of Commerce. People must know what motives are behind importing toxic waste into Indonesia and what benefits are derived from this mad practice?

A. HARYONO

Jakarta

Get together

The saying goes "Birds of a feather flock together." This is applicable to the Indonesians living in the United States who come together especially on Indonesian national holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Idul Fitri, etc.

It is on these occasions that they have the opportunity to tell each other about their woes in Uncle Sam's country. New acquaintances are made, old friendships are renewed and sometimes business transactions are closed.

Usually the most affluent among the Indonesians living in the United States is willing to utilize his or her spacious mansion for the get-together and to mail invitations.

It seems that people from the same country living abroad tend to become more intimate. However, what is a little bit odd, especially for us Asians, is when the letter of invitation says that those willing to participate in the party should pay US$25 or "to go Dutch" as the saying goes.

My son in New York, who received such letter of invitation, was a bit shocked because such a thing would be unthinkable in Indonesia.

A. DJUANA

Jakarta

Censor and compassion

Some very interesting issues have been raised in your "Schindler's List - To See or Not To See." One issue worth commenting on is the number of self-appointed censors who have written in. They don't want to see the film so they don't want anyone else to see it.

As they have stated, they are afraid it might alter their way of thinking -- and worse still, the thinking of others. This is the very essence of intolerance. One person even wrote in to make a comment and then said "let's now stop this debate and talk about something else."

Second, the debate has been spun with the unfortunate web of prejudice. The logic of this prejudice goes like this: some Jewish fanatics have committed evil acts so therefore all Jews are evil.

Hitler, Pol Pot, Stalin et al, followed this perverse line of reasoning to target racial and class enemies. They managed to dupe many into complicity with their unspeakable acts of sub- human savagery. Does it now need to be spelled out that evil is committed by fanatics who will sacrifice anybody and anything to achieve their ends? And that fanatics can be found in any racial group?

Thirdly and finally, the whole debate has hinged upon this question: should we be allowed to watch a film that is likely to develop our sense of compassion for the Jewish people?

Compassion is a most ennobling sentiment and its development can only make us more human. If this film can guide us towards a greater sense of compassion for our fellow people then it is we who benefit.

To see or not to see -- that is the question. Is it honorable to open our minds to greater truths and our hearts to greater compassion? If the answer is "yes" then you should line up for tickets right behind me.

PURNAMA SARI BUIDA

Jakarta

Note: With this letter, correspondence concerning Schindler's List is now closed. We thank all the letter writers for sharing their views on this issue.

-- Editor

Excessively fanatic badminton supporters

From Kompas

Overly fanatic supporters of the Indonesian team embarrassed the nation during the final round of the Uber and Thomas Cup championships at the Senayan indoor stadium in Jakarta last week.

Apart from being destructive, the supporters fell short of displaying good sportsmanship. They constantly booed opponent players who lost points and cheered local players. They failed to give appropriate applause to opponent players who produced good shots.

Can't we appreciate the talents of others?

I think we should learn to respect players from other countries because only by so doing can we appreciate ourselves.

SUPARKA

Bandung, West Java

Harsher sentences for rapists

From Kompas

The two teenagers who raped seven girls under the age of 11 were given jail terms of only 18 months each, the Kompas daily reported recently.

I really do not understand why the rapists received such light sentences? Is it fair for the victims who will have to endure deep emotional trauma throughout their lives?

The ages of the rapists, one 14, the other 15, astonishes me and makes me wonder about the lack of morality of our young generation.

I think the rapists deserved a much harsher punishment, one that will make them understand that such behavior is evil. If Singapore canes its vandals, why can't we learn from them and mete out harsher sanctions to criminals?

The government should give more attention to rape cases and make sure that rapists are punished heavily, all the more so for those who victimize underage girls.

M. JAYA

Yogyakarta