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