East Java flood threat

East Java flood threat

From Merdeka

The recent big flood that submerged almost all of Jakarta may have been forgotten by many of us after the hectic celebration of Idul Fitri. But to those who lost most of their precious belongings and maybe even relatives in the flooding, the mere thought of another flood is enough to make them shudder.

Like Jakarta, Surabaya in East Java also fears the possibility of a similar catastrophe. Surabaya city planning does not comply with the principles of development. The following facts should be noted:

* Coastal reclamation and waste management disregard ecological principles.

* The development of concrete buildings occupies most of the space and leaves very little green area.

* Many chemically polluting factories are located in the middle of densely populated areas like in Gresik and Mojokerto. This condition puts millions of people at risk.

* Cangar forest which serves as a reservoir for East Java has turned critical as the trees were cut indiscriminately to make room for agriculture. The popular Batu town situated on the mountain's slope is a lacking a source of water because new villas and bungalows have replaced the once green area.

East Java governor Basofi Sudirman's idea of holding a one-day seminar on the master plan of East Java on Jan. 25 and Jan 26, 1996, is laudable. A follow-up is called for.

SALEH AL-DJUFRI

Surabaya, East Java