Environmental rating scheme delayed, needs more planning<\/p>\n
BANDUNG (JP): The government has postponed its plan to begin
\nrating manufacturing companies in terms of their environmental
\nrecords because the program requires better preparation.<\/p>\n
State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja told
\nreporters yesterday that the program, originally to be introduced
\nin June, has now been postponed indefinitely.<\/p>\n
\"Evaluating is not an easy task, because it involves complex
\nregulations. We have to be diligent and make sure there are no
\nweaknesses or loopholes,\" Sarwono said after addressing a post-
\ngraduate class at Padjadjaran University.<\/p>\n
The plan calls for the grading of manufacturers into five
\ngroups, starting at the top for those who have fine records in
\nenvironmental protection to the bottom ranking for those with the
\npoorest records.<\/p>\n
The plan is by no means dead, Sarwono said, stressing that the
\ngovernment hopes to phase it in, starting with manufacturers
\nwhich discharge effluent into rivers.<\/p>\n
He also warned that the government is considering new
\nlegislation to force manufacturers to accept periodic
\nenvironmental auditing by an independent agency.<\/p>\n
So far, only the oil giant, Caltex Indonesia, in Riau and the
\npulp and paper producer, PT Inti Indorayon Utama, in North
\nSumatra have voluntarily conducted environmental auditing.<\/p>\n
\"All manufacturers must carry out this auditing. We can force
\nthem by introducing legislation,\" the minister said.<\/p>\n
He acknowledged that at present the auditing is being carried
\nout by foreign consultants. The Association of Indonesian
\nConsultants has promised to prepare their members for the task in
\nthe near future.<\/p>\n
He said the government had no intention of providing the
\nexpertise. \"That's the business of the consultants.\" (pet\/emb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/environmental-rating-scheme-delayed-needs-more-planning-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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