Agency wants coastal project to follow rules

JAKARTA (JP): The Environmental Impact Agency reminded developers of an 8,000-hectare tourist site on the coast of Tangerang yesterday not to break environmental rules.

P.L. Coutrier, the deputy for environmental impact management at Bapedal, warned that construction should only start after the project's environmental impact study is approved.

"President Soeharto himself signed the 1993 rule on environment impact analysis," he pointed out.

Coutrier said developers have either been "disobedient, slow or forgetful" in conducting the analysis, named Amdal, which is a prerequisite for the assessment and approval of any project.

The plan, to be jointly developed by the West Java provincial government and the private sector, was approved by President Soeharto on Thursday.

The Teluk Naga site will include marine attractions, apartments, malls, a fishermen's village, low cost housing and other facilities. It is expected to be completed within 21 years.

"There is no problem here because what has been approved is still only a plan," said Coutrier, when asked to comment on the project.

"My only question is when will they begin the environmental impact analysis. Hopefully they have already begun," he said.

The plan includes the reclamation of 4,000 hectares of the Teluk Naga shoreline and 2,500 hectares of ponds.

The project will take over rice fields and villages and is estimated to affect 72,000 residents.

Soeharto reminded the planners that the affected residents' "financial and residential" needs are a priority.

Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja has often criticized developers "who think Amdal is only a formality".

The effect the controversial Pantai Indah Kapuk housing complex in North Jakarta had on surrounding mangrove forests prompted demands for a review of its environmental impact analysis earlier this year.

"The President has repeatedly stressed that construction must not harm the environment," added Coutrier.

West Java Governor Nuriana has not announced what companies are involved in the project. (anr)