Developers summoned over environmental destruction

Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post/Tangerang

The Tangerang regency council is summoning two developers to answer allegations their coastal reclamation projects have irrevocably damaged the environment and destroyed the life of a fishing community.

Commission for developmental affairs councilor Bahrum said on Saturday that PT Koperasi Pasir Putih and PT Parung Harapan had been summoned to a hearing with the commission on Tuesday.

"We will ask for clarification whether the two developers have made evaluations about the environmental impact of their reclamation projects or not," Bahrun said.

He said the council had found evidence in November that the projects had destroyed mangroves, coral reefs and marine life during the past three years and had prompted fishermen in the Dadap village, Kosambi, to leave their profession and become scavengers.

Fellow councillor Al Mansur said the two companies had to abide by existing environmental regulations when reclaiming the area.

"We hope the two companies abide by the rules of the game in reclaiming the beach and they must cope with the negative impact that the project has caused," he said without elaborating.

The two developers started to reclaim the coastline in 2001.

PT Koperasi Pasir Putih plans to build a five-hectare recreational and tourist resort, while PT Parung Harapan will build a luxurious housing estate and warehouse complex on another five hectares of land.