Take action or get more information:
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/leuser/wd86ewzp783j57

TELL A FRIEND:
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/leuser/forward/wd86ewzp783j57

Take action by April 8, 2003

FIND OUT MORE:
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* Stop Destruction of Indonesian Rainforest & Rainforest
Communities *

A mega-highway network is planned for construction
through the Leuser ecosystem rainforest in Aceh, Indonesia,
and one of the earth's most important conservation
"hotspots." The Leuser ecosystem contains critically
endangered tropical wildlife, including Sumatran species
of orangutan, tiger, elephant, and the Sumatran rhino.
It's home to millions of people heavily dependent upon
a well-preserved forest for survival. The provincial
government of Aceh is seeking funds from Indonesia's
central government for a destructive new road system
cutting through protected areas in the Leuser ecosystem.
Local communities, Indonesian NGOs, and national and
international observers fear these roads will lead
to illegal logging, illegal settlements, abuses, great
hardships for forest dependent peoples, and the extinction
of critically endangered species. Take action! Send
a message to Indonesia President Megawati Soekarnoputri
asking her to cancel the massive highway projects planned
for the Leuser ecosystem:

TAKE ACTION:
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/leuser/wd86ewzp783j57

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Your letter will be addressed and sent to:
Your Excellency President Megawati Soekarnoputri

----THIS LETTER WILL BE SENT IN YOUR NAME----
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

Your Excellency,

I am concerned about the proposed 1.5 trillion Rupiah
Ladia Galaska road network that threatens the fragile
Leuser ecosystem and local communities that depend
upon this ecosystem. This planned road network -- utilizing
scarce public funds -- will increase illegal logging,
encroachment on protected forests, and destruction
of this forest as a vital resource for surrounding
communities. It will also increase corruption and forest
crime, already problems in Aceh. In addition, the project
appears to violate environmental laws requiring comprehensive
and objective environmental impact assessments for
the portions of the ecosystem impacted by the road.

I also support Indonesia's financial investment in
the Leuser integrated conservation and development
project ("LDP") in Sumatra. The LDP has helped conserve
the Leuser ecosystem, which, according to economists,
provides "ecosystem services" valued at 2.9 trillion
Rupiah [300 million Euros] a year. Indonesia"s investment
in the LDP will be wasted if the road project proceeds.

Finally, I support Indonesia"s attempts to combat illegal
logging, including the Presidential Instruction No.
5 / 2001 for the prevention of illegal logging inside
the Leuser Ecosystem. Unfortunately, the road network
planned for the Leuser ecosystem -- and the recent
provision of Rp. 100 billion by the central government
for these roads -- will lead to more illegal logging,
defeating the purpose of this presidential instruction.

Out of concern for local forest-dependent communities
and the Leuser ecosystem, I respectfully request you
cancel all road and infrastructure projects proposed
for the Leuser ecosystem.

----END OF LETTER TO BE SENT----

Sincerely,
Ruth Rosenhek

cc:
Indonesian Decision Makers