HIDUP stages APEC environmental event

JAKARTA (JP): Officials and businessmen from several APEC members gathered here yesterday evening in what the organizers called the only environmental event in coincidence with the APEC meetings that focused on economic issues.

The reception was hosted by HIDUP -- Indonesia's trade association of companies dedicated to promoting environmental products, services and technology -- at the Clipper Restaurant.

It was attended by Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja and leaders of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) such as its chairman Aburizal Bakrie, Tony Agus Ardie and Soy Pardede.

"While the APEC leaders' initiatives will propel our economy to high growth, we here are concerned that the growth will be environmentally sustainable," Sarwono told the 100 officials and businessmen at the reception.

He also assured the guests from six of the APEC members that Indonesia's environmental efforts are no less advanced than those in the developed countries.

Sarwono took the opportunity to introduce the 1994-1998 strategic guidelines for the Environmental Management Agency. These guidelines include programs to increase commitment to environmental management, law enforcement and improvement of support institutions.

"We gather here to convey the message that concern for the environment must be an integral part of the economic development process among the APEC member economies," HIDUP's Vice Chairman Arian Ardie noted.

Ardie said the gathering is part of an ongoing campaign by HIDUP to develop the understanding among the business community that the environment is not only a quality of life issue but also an economic development issue.

HIDUP's main task is to continue to demonstrate that integrating environmental standards into the production process will not only benefit the environment, but constitute a sound business practice as well, he added.

He said he was glad to observe the steadily increasing awareness on the part of the public and business community about the need to preserve the environment.

"Our association grouped only eight companies at its founding last November. Now it has 43 members, comprising companies that supply clean process technology and services, conduct environmental audits, operate hazardous waste treatment plants and use waste water and effluent treatment systems," Ardie said.

Sarwono said the rapid development of HIDUP reflects the growing commitment of the private sector to environmentally sustainable development. (vin)