"It does not affect the food plants because the caterpillars only attack the leaves and do not kill the plants," Agriculture Minister Suswono told the Jakarta Globe.

I'm a bit worried about this cabbage!

"It does not affect the food plants because the caterpillars only attack the leaves and do not kill the plants," Agriculture Minister Suswono told the Jakarta Globe.

Seriously, is there a contest in the cabinet of which high-rank government officials can make the stupidest most illogical comment with straight face!? -___-

Dear fellow Forum Commentators and Web-Ed:

I live in Bogor, the city that is the home of the famous Botanical Gardens. It is with fear and trepidation that we, nature lovers, now await a possible onslaught of caterpillars (where, according to the news I heard on TV, certain species of them eat ALL leaves they can reach before entering pupa-hood!) on the valuable fruit trees and all other rare and priceless botanical specimens in the Bogor Botanical Gardens. Perhaps you might want to help avert further disasters to the environment, and go to any nearby Bird Market to purchase several Kutilang (Pygnonotus or Molpastes Aurigaster) birds or Jalaks (Sturnopastor Jalla), and give them the priceless gift of freedom.

These birds are the natural enemies of caterpillars, and they are not expensive (here in Bogor one can be had for Rp 20.000,- if you know how to bargain). For several years now, it has very much pained me to see, in bird markets, several poor suffering kutilangs and jalaks being imprisoned all together in narrow cages, without adequate food and water. I’ve already set several ones free, but realize that my contribution has only been a drop of water on a sizzling plate. Perhaps you would like to help? The birds, and bird lovers, would appreciate your kindness very much!

Greetings, @Ellar.ella: when forces of evil join each other, this union won't be long, for they will ultimately quarrel as each wants to be Boss. Their huge ego's, you see. FPI and the caterpillars may well destroy each other, and that will be Good Riddance of them both. And I remember, with hope, that ancient saying: "Deus Ex Machina".(At the last moment, unexpectedly, The Creator will step in to save the day.). :-)

"Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Suswono told the Jakarta Globe on Tuesday that caterpillars would not affect food supply.

“It does not affect the food plants because the caterpillars only attack the leaves and do not kill the plants,” he said."

Jesus wept.