Bogor residents complain of pollution

BOGOR: Residents of Tlajung Udik village, Gunung Putri district, Bogor regency, are accusing PT Sinar Gunung Putri, which processes leather for items such as shoes and bags, of polluting the environment.

The residents claim foul-smelling waste from the company has polluted the groundwater, causing them to suffer stomachaches, itching and flus.

The company allegedly dumps its waste into a gutter that flows into the Cileungsi River. The gutter is located between 10 and 15 meters from the residents' deep wells.

Astari, a village leader, said the residents could smell the waste as it was released from 10 p.m. until just before dawn.

"I suspect that the waste has penetrated the wells, as the water is dirty," he said.

"Some of us are afraid to protest against the company because it contributed a lot of money to build a mosque here. But we don't care about the donation, and I have sent a water sample to the laboratory at the IPB (Bogor Institute of Agriculture)," he said.

Separately, Rida, an employee of the company, said PT Sinar Gunung had developed a good relationship with the community for over 20 years, and that there had never been any complaints about pollution before.

"If there is a complaint, it is being made by only a few people who might not like our presence here," she said.--JP