Environmentalism, Indonesian Style

The Asian archipelago of Indonesia hosts some of the most abundant and diverse natural resources in the world. Indonesia’s vast rain forest is second in size only to the Amazon’s. No other country has a longer coastline; and its waters are filled with spectacular coral reefs and marine life. But decades of abuse, neglect and official corruption have taken a hefty toll on Indonesia’s environment. A new reform-minded administration took over in May, kindling hope among ecologists and activists. But with the region’s economy now in free-fall, so far there has been little cash available to enhance environmental protection. Cindy Shiner begins our report from the capital, Jakarta.