Governor KDM to Permanently Close 5 Limestone Factories in West Bandung Over Violations

The West Java Provincial Government will completely close five limestone processing factories in West Bandung Regency (KBB), West Java. The closures follow findings of labour and environmental regulation violations based on the results of an investigation.

“Of the 18 companies, five were found to be in violation. I have ordered those five to be closed,” said West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi (KDM) at the Legok Nangka final waste processing site (TPPAS) in Bandung Regency on Wednesday (29/7).

The remaining 13 factories have been given temporary closure sanctions. They are required to first rectify the environmental damage caused by their lime processing activities.

“The remaining 13 will be temporarily closed to carry out improvements,” said Dedi Mulyadi.

The closures will inevitably affect the fate of workers at the five companies to be permanently shut down. Dedi said those who lose their jobs will be accommodated by the West Java Provincial Government, adding that the wages they receive will be higher than what they earned at the lime processing factories.

“The 500 workers will be absorbed by Public Works. There they were paid on average below Rp 2 million, whereas at Public Works the salary is Rp 4.2 million,” said Dedi.

Previously, limestone processing activities in the Cipatat-Padalarang area of West Bandung Regency drew attention for producing white dust pollution resembling snowfall. The dust pollution even reached residents’ residential areas.

Governor KDM even carried out several surprise inspections at a number of limestone processing factories in the area, as well as checking the affected residential neighbourhoods. During those inspections, he discovered suspected labour violations and environmental pollution.