Ban on beach reclamation ignored

Two private companies are apparently continuing land reclamation work along the coastline of Dadap village in Kosambi district, Tangerang regency, despite a ban issued by Regent Ismet Iskandar.

District chief Rudi Maesal said on Saturday he had no idea if PT Koperasi Pasir Putih and PT Parung Harapan had resumed their reclamation projects.

The two companies are each reclaiming a five-hectare beach, with KPP planning to develop an amusement park and Parung Harapan intending to develop a plush housing estate and a warehouse complex.

Rudi said executives from the two companies had promised to halt further work until they had completed an environmental impact analysis (Amdal) and other documents required for government approval of the projects.

The companies allegedly began reclaiming the coastline without first submitting an Amdal and procuring a development permit.

"We will build a gate to block dump trucks transporting soil from entering the site," Rudi said.

No executives from either company could be reached for comment.

Reclamation work in the area started in 2000, inciting strong protests from locals and environmentalists for clearing virgin mangrove forests, killing marine life and coral reefs, as well as putting hundreds of fishermen out of work.

Environmental activists plan to file a lawsuit against the administration over the matter, and are gathering evidence for the legal motion.

"We have sent a team of lawyers to Dadap Beach to investigate," said Karya Ersada of the Indonesian Environmental Activists Alliance.

Article 38 of Environment Law No. 23/1997 stipulates that those found responsible for the destruction of mangrove forests face a maximum sentence of 10 years and a Rp 500 million (US$55,555.56) fine.

"The reclamation work has also violated State Minister of the Environment Decree No. 17/2001, which requires proper Amdal," he added. -- JP