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