Environment agency open to public scrutiny

Environment agency open to public scrutiny

JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday introduced the concept
of "democratization of pollution control", saying that anyone is
free to question the operations of the Environmental Impact
Management Agency.

State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja told a
business gathering that the agency, known here as Bapedal, is
open to public scrutiny.

He said the Program for Pollution Control Evaluation and
Rating, known by its acronym of Proper, represents a
"democratization of pollution control", because of its
transparency. The program was set up as part of the Clean River
program, known as Prokasih.

Under the program, the agency is to rate the environmental
performance of companies based on investigations over a certain
period.

The openness of the Agency, he said, is supported by technical
information packaged in simple terms.

This allows easy access to data on businesses' environmental
performance, which is expected to lead to greater public
involvement, he said.

So far, despite rapidly increasing awareness of environmental
issues, the publics' say in pollution control is hampered by its
lack of ability to understand the technical aspects involved,
Sarwono said.

He said that the public will appreciate firms which take pains
to apply environmental standards well, and pressure those which
fail to comply with the regulations.

The event was hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, the
Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and an environmental
trade association called Hidup Indonesia.

Bapedal deputy Nabiel Makarim explained the compulsory
business performance rating programs for firms operating along 54
river in 17 provinces this year.

The Proper-Prokasih program includes 1,124 factories, and is
voluntary for other companies.

Sarwono said the private sector has responded positively to
the performance rating program. "Sixty firms have volunteered to
be rated by Bapedal," he said.

He said the current awareness enables policy to shift from
legal enforcement to public exposure of socially responsible
businesses.

However, this exposure must be based on the credibility of the
institution, in this case Bapedal, he said. (anr)