43 firms polluting the environment

43 firms polluting the environment

JAKARTA: At least 43 companies operating in the country are
categorized as unfriendly to the environment, a minister said on
Wednesday.

State Minister for the Environment Rahmat Witoelar said the
firms had been found to conduct activities harmful to the
environment and people living in the vicinity of their
operations.

He said the companies would receive a black label in the new
list of 261 companies surveyed for annual environment audit by
his office.

Despite the assessment, the office would not take legal action
against the companies.

"The announcement is not aimed at punishing the company. It is
just a reminder so that they consider the environmental impact of
their activities," Rahmat said after a meeting with President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. -- JP