Govt allows pulp plant to continue operations<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Despite continuing protests from the local people, the government
\ndecided on Monday to allow the controversial pulp plant of PT
\nToba Pulp Lestari in Porsea, North Sumatra, to continue
\noperations pending the establishment of a team to review the
\npossibility of reopening the rayon plant.<\/p>\n
In a limited Cabinet meeting on Thursday, President Megawati
\nSoekarnoputri said that it would be wise for the government to
\nconduct an overall overview regarding the presence of the plant
\nbefore deciding whether to suspend or continue its operation.<\/p>\n
"The team is under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which
\nwill immediately conduct field observation," State Minister of
\nCommunications and Information Syamsul Mu'arif said after the
\nmeeting.<\/p>\n
The company was earlier named PT Inti Indorayon Utama, which
\nproduced pulp and rayon in Porsea district.<\/p>\n
Due to public pressure and environmental considerations,
\nformer president Abdurrahman Wahid closed the rayon plant, but
\nallowing the pulp mill to operate under the new name.<\/p>\n
However, the decision failed to quell opposition from the
\nlocal community. They claim the plant has caused many diseases
\namong the local people and serious environmental damage.<\/p>\n
The plan to reopen the rayon plant has provoked further
\nviolent protests from the local people and forced hundreds of
\nresidents to flee the area.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, New York-based Human Rights Watch accused
\nthe pulp company of violating human rights in its efforts to end
\nthe people's protests.<\/p>\n
Syamsul said that the President wished to see a complete
\nreport before making any decision regarding the controversial
\nplant.<\/p>\n
"The report should cover all aspects, including the
\nenvironmental and social impact of the plant," the minister
\nremarked.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/govt-allows-pulp-plant-to-continue-operations-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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