Going green<\/p>\n
Imperfections notwithstanding, the new environment law, which
\nthe House of Representatives passed Friday, is a welcome
\nimprovement on the current one, which dates from 1982. While the
\npresent law provides for penalties of a maximum of 10 years in
\nprison and\/or a Rp 100 million fine for offenders, the new
\nlegislation makes it possible for the state to penalize violators
\nwith sentences of up to 15 years in prison and\/or a maximum fine
\nof Rp 750 million. The new law also allows the state to seize the
\nassets or close down the activities of those found guilty of
\ncausing environmental damage.<\/p>\n
One of the most significant features of the new law, according
\nto State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, is that
\nit explicitly holds people in charge of industrial or
\nconstruction projects responsible for any damage done to the
\nenvironment because of their activities.<\/p>\n
Moreover, the minister said, since successful environmental
\nmanagement depends to a large extent on public participation,
\nenvironmental organizations as well as the general public are
\ngiven the right to file lawsuits to protect the environment. No
\ndoubt, this is welcome news for those who have feared the new law
\nwould deny nongovernmental organizations, which have so far been
\nmost active, a role in protecting the environment.<\/p>\n
To say all this is certainly not to belittle either the old
\nlaw's significance or the work that has been done under the
\nprevious minister of environment, Emil Salim. It was under his
\nleadership that a true public awareness of the importance of
\nenvironmental protection began to emerge. And as for the old law,
\nit was considered quite progressive for its time. The question
\nis, why has success been so limited.<\/p>\n
The answer can be found in Minister Sarwono's remark that
\ndespite the stronger measures provided by the new legislation,
\nenforcement is still the key to preventing environmental
\ndegradation. Lax enforcement of the law has been a frequent
\ncomplaint, expressed by officials and concerned citizens alike.
\nIn some cases in the past, even court verdicts seemed ineffective
\nin forcing violators to abide by the law. More often, judges
\ntended to be lenient in their verdicts.<\/p>\n
Yet despite the stronger legislation, another deficiency
\nbesides enforcement needs to be corrected. If highly educated
\npeople such as judges still lack sufficient awareness of the
\nimportance of environmental protection, what can one expect of
\nthe average man in the street? It is sad but probably true that,
\nat present, the only people who fully recognize the urgency of
\nthe problem are those whose lives are directly affected by
\nenvironmental damage. Therefore, a greater awareness among the
\ngeneral public needs to be aroused.<\/p>\n
Fifteen years have passed since the old law came into being.
\nDuring those years, the industrialization process has continued
\nat a considerable pace. That pace is certain to increase in the
\ncoming years as the nation continues to pursue its national
\ndevelopment goals. Further environmental degradation is certain
\nto occur unless timely steps are taken to stem the tide of
\ndestruction.<\/p>\n
The new law, which now awaits presidential endorsement, is a
\nwelcome step in that direction, although a wider approach, which
\nshould include an extensive public education program, is needed
\nif success is to be assured. The best time to act is now, while
\nthe damage is still manageable.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/going-green-1447899208",
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