HIDUP stages APEC environmental event
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)