THE official residence of 59-year-old Environment Minister Nabiel Makarim was abuzz with activity last week. A number of staff seemed busy compiling and analyzing data. In another corner, a team of public relations people were looking at media clippings on the topic of pollution at Buyat Bay by PT Newmont. I am concentrating on the Buyat Bay case, said Makarim.

Indeed, Makarim is in the midst of a serious problem. After declaring there was no poll