C. Java factories polluting rivers

DEMAK, Central Java: Two rivers in Demak regency are heavily polluted by industrial waste dumped by factories in nearby Kudus regency and the city of Semarang.

PT Pusaka Raya Kudus, a big paper factory in Kudus, has dumped waste into Wulan River, while Babon River is being polluted by the waste from another factory in the Genuk Industrial Estate.

The local people can no longer use the water, which has turned reddish, to wash and cook.

Demak's city spokesman, Harini Trisnadi, said the authorities did not oblige all factories to install waste treatment units because they would not be able to afford it.

He added that the municipal administration is considering installing a centralized waste treatment unit funded collectively by companies in the Genuk Industrial Estate. (har/sim)