The Director of Aceh non-government organisation, Hutan Alam dan Konservasi Aceh (HaKA), Farwiza Farham urged that the government of Aceh should not construct roads which would lead toward disasters. She stated that in a long distance dialogue between Sumatran NGO’s in Medan and Aceh leaders in Jakarta via @America Programme of the U.S Embassy on Monday, September 21, 2015.
Speaking through a microphone from the residence of American Consulate General in Medan, Farwiza said, she had noticed the situation of deforestation and road construction in Aceh in the last five years. “Where there is a new road construction, there deforestation is rampant,” she expressed.
U.S. Ambassador and Aceh leaders at the @AMERICA in Jakarta. (Photo: From FB US Consulate General Medan)
In her statement, Farwiza also reminded that poorly planned development is risky for the people of Aceh. “An example of the poorly planned development is in Aceh Tamiang. Flash flood that took place in 2006, nearly 10 years ago, has created financial lost of IDR 1,9 Trillion in 20 days, in one district alone. This amount is very high, nearly 50%, compared to Aceh provincial budget at the time, which was only about IDR 5 Trillion."
The U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Robert O. Blake in his opening remark said, dialogue is needed to find a solution so that the Aceh forest and the 4 million people of Aceh are both protected.
“We need to find solution through dialogues to protect forest and people.” He said
“Sustainable development requires good dialogue between government, business, society, and NGOs.” He said.
Wali Nanggroe Aceh, Head of Aceh provincial development planning body (BAPPEDA), Vice-governor, and Greenomics respectively gave presentations and comments on Aceh road development in the @America programme.
Farwiza Farhan (front row, no. 3 from right). (Photo: FB US Consulate General Medan)
New Road in Singkil threatens rare tigers and orangutans
In mid August 2015, Scorpion Investigator visited Singkil Wildlife Reserve where a new road was being constructed connecting South Aceh to Buluseuma in Singkil through the wildlife reserve. During the visit, Scorpion found that some small damages had already taken place on some locations near the new road in Buluseuma village.
Without strict control of tree cutting, the new road to Buluseuma will create a new and serious threat to critically endangered sumatran orangutans and tigers in Singkil, and also threat to the local community in Singkil.
Orangutan faces new threats from new road in Singkil. (Photo: SCORPION)
New damage near the new road in Buluseuma village, Singkil. This photo was taken by Scorpion Foundation mid August 2015.
Several trees have been cut from this area on one side of the road in Buluseuma. (Photo: SCORPION)
The new road in Singkil wildlife reserves. (SCORPION)
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