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Planting tree before marriage a must in Balikpapan
The Jakarta Post | Sat, 11/22/2008 5:39 PM | National
The Balikpapan city administration in East Kalimantan has issued a new regulation demanding couples to plant a tree before they can obtain a formal recommendation letter.
“That is true. We have made it mandatory for those wanting to get married to submit one tree seedling or else we will not give them a recommendation letter,” said city spokesperson Samauna Rizal as quoted by Antara newswire on Saturday.
A recommendation letter from a local district office is essential for the Religious Affairs Court to process a marriage proposal. Such measure has also been implemented in Sabang, Aceh, and Bandung, West Java.
Rizal said the new regulation was aimed at promoting awareness among the citizens of the importance trees to the natural habitat of human.
“For the mean time, the obligation to plant a tree is only imposed for those wanting to get married. Consider it as a wedding gift for the government,” he said.
He hoped that the planting trees would become a new habit of the citizens of Balikpapan. East Kalimantan has seen massive deforestation due to illegal logging and mining activities.
“Not only for weddings, but also for birthdays, circumcision celebration, party for having a first born or a golden wedding anniversary,” he said. (and)
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Lynda (not verified) — Thu, 11/27/2008 - 1:23pm
Great initiative. Some couples may find it burdensome at first, but when the trees start to grow everyone can see the real benefits. The Pemda must ensure that they have funds & resources to maintain the trees that have been planted by the residents, so the efforts won't be wasted. Often the problem with policies in Indonesia is continuity.
Erin (not verified) — Wed, 11/26/2008 - 7:42pm
Are there sources for this information? Is there a government website that lists this new regulation and its details? I´m interested. If anyone has this information, it would be very helpful
Sledet (not verified) — Tue, 11/25/2008 - 9:53am
Two thumbs up for East Kalimantan! Hope this will spread to other regions.
Christopher panjaitan (not verified) — Mon, 11/24/2008 - 1:46pm
It's such a good idea of the Balikpapan City administration. This remarkable idea should be applied to all parts of Indonesia as this will bring a big impact on Indonesia's forests. We have to plant some new trees to save our abandoned forests.
Go green...
Desy pajarwaty (not verified) — Sun, 11/23/2008 - 4:12pm
This regulation should be obeyed and spread to the youngsters because the effect will be for the good of the next generation. Go green....