Indorayon issue<\/p>\n
In his address to those who agree with the resumption of the
\noperations of PT. Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL, new name for Inti
\nIndorayon Utama\/IIU) in Balige on Nov. 30, 2002, Jacob Nuwa Wea
\nsaid that only a small number of people (around 10,000 people at
\nmost out of the 300,000 population of Toba Samosir regency),
\ndisagreed with the reopening of the plant.<\/p>\n
In his capacity as a minister, he represented the government
\nin speaking about the process of allowing the company to resume
\noperations even though it is well-known to have polluted the air
\nand rivers.<\/p>\n
From his address, it may be inferred that Jacob was acting as
\nif he were a campaigner for the company. Instead of talking about
\nthe number of people who are for and against the company in a way
\nthat could trigger unrest, he should have focussed on the
\nsubstance and kernel of the problem, and acted as a facilitator
\nrather than a provocateur.<\/p>\n
Is the financial contribution made to the local and central
\ngovernments that significant? Is it really necessary for a
\nminister to come down and tell the people about the government's
\ndecision on the resumption of operations and IIU's ability to
\nabsorb all available manpower. The locals have been opposed to
\nthe establishment of the plant from the very beginning.<\/p>\n
Jacob should have known about what happened in Sosor Ladang,
\nPorsea subdistrict, and the cutting down of the forests around
\nLake Toba by the company. The pulp plant, which was initially
\nexpected to bring prosperity to the locals, caused severe
\nenvironmental damage during the time of the New Order regime.<\/p>\n
The locals have been able to make their voices heard only
\nsince the start of the reform era. If Jacob had ever smelled the
\nfoul odor from the plant, I am sure he would have said something
\ndifferent in his address.<\/p>\n
Some Bataks commented: \"How much money has he received to
\ndeliver such an address and to warn local clerics and religious
\nleaders against inciting the locals to shut down the plant? The
\nreligious leaders there were only voicing what is right. That's
\nall! So, why have they been accused of inciting people?.<\/p>\n
The government maintain that the IIU has a new paradigm. My
\nnext question is: Has the government forgotten about the physical
\nlosses suffered by the locals?. The people demand that IIU be
\npunished according to the law. Afterwards, new paradigms can be
\nbrought to the negotiating table.<\/p>\n
Violent acts such as the police arresting and assaulting
\nprotesters show the unwillingness of the Megawati administration
\nto protect the people.<\/p>\n
ELIAKIM SITORUS, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indorayon-issue-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }