HOLDING hostage a team from the environment and forestry ministry at Rokan Hulu in Riau during the past week was an insult to the law. Those responsible, and those giving the orders for a site owned by Andika Permata Sawit Lestari palm oil company, must be punished. The motive behind this illegal act must be uncovered.

The seven members of the environment ministry team were acting lawfully when they went to the location of a burned forest. Yet, th