Agency wants coastal project to follow rules
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)