Environmental rating scheme delayed, needs more planning

Environmental rating scheme delayed, needs more planning

BANDUNG (JP): The government has postponed its plan to begin
rating manufacturing companies in terms of their environmental
records because the program requires better preparation.

State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja told
reporters yesterday that the program, originally to be introduced
in June, has now been postponed indefinitely.

"Evaluating is not an easy task, because it involves complex
regulations. We have to be diligent and make sure there are no
weaknesses or loopholes," Sarwono said after addressing a post-
graduate class at Padjadjaran University.

The plan calls for the grading of manufacturers into five
groups, starting at the top for those who have fine records in
environmental protection to the bottom ranking for those with the
poorest records.

The plan is by no means dead, Sarwono said, stressing that the
government hopes to phase it in, starting with manufacturers
which discharge effluent into rivers.

He also warned that the government is considering new
legislation to force manufacturers to accept periodic
environmental auditing by an independent agency.

So far, only the oil giant, Caltex Indonesia, in Riau and the
pulp and paper producer, PT Inti Indorayon Utama, in North
Sumatra have voluntarily conducted environmental auditing.

"All manufacturers must carry out this auditing. We can force
them by introducing legislation," the minister said.

He acknowledged that at present the auditing is being carried
out by foreign consultants. The Association of Indonesian
Consultants has promised to prepare their members for the task in
the near future.

He said the government had no intention of providing the
expertise. "That's the business of the consultants." (pet/emb)