Surat dari Executive Director of Greenpeace International Kepada Presiden Suharto sehubungan dengan kebakaran hutan di Sumatera dan Kalimantan |
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September 30, 1997 President Suharto Presidential Palace Jakarta Indonesia Your Excellency, I am writing to you at this time to express concern about the widespread burning of forests in Kalimantan and Sumatra. The burning is destroying precious rainforests, creating severe air pollution problems, and adding to the problem of global warming. The old growth rainforests of Indonesia are a priceless heritage of the world but they are rapidly disappearing. It is a tragedy of global significance that Indonesia's rainforests are now being indiscriminantly burnt. Recent press reports indicate that many endemic species of birds, plants and animals are being affected, including the Orangutan, which is being pushed closer to extinction by the widespread fires. At the same time, the fires are threatening many forest peoples who depend on intact forests for their livelihoods. I understand that Indonesia has a long standing decree banning the clearing of forests without permits but that many fires to clear forests are still being lit without permission. Press reports show that some companies are now being investigated for illegally starting fires. It is concerning to note that only a few large Indonesian companies are being investigated for illegal burning, and that there have been no arrests based on existing documentation of violations. I urge you to take immediate steps to enforce the decree banning forest clearing, to revoke existing permits, and to investigate and prosecute all companies that found to be involved in starting the fires illegally. Yours sincerely, Thilo Bode Executive Director Greenpeace International |