Indorayon issue

In his address to those who agree with the resumption of the operations of PT. Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL, new name for Inti Indorayon Utama/IIU) in Balige on Nov. 30, 2002, Jacob Nuwa Wea said that only a small number of people (around 10,000 people at most out of the 300,000 population of Toba Samosir regency), disagreed with the reopening of the plant.

In his capacity as a minister, he represented the government in speaking about the process of allowing the company to resume operations even though it is well-known to have polluted the air and rivers.

From his address, it may be inferred that Jacob was acting as if he were a campaigner for the company. Instead of talking about the number of people who are for and against the company in a way that could trigger unrest, he should have focussed on the substance and kernel of the problem, and acted as a facilitator rather than a provocateur.

Is the financial contribution made to the local and central governments that significant? Is it really necessary for a minister to come down and tell the people about the government's decision on the resumption of operations and IIU's ability to absorb all available manpower. The locals have been opposed to the establishment of the plant from the very beginning.

Jacob should have known about what happened in Sosor Ladang, Porsea subdistrict, and the cutting down of the forests around Lake Toba by the company. The pulp plant, which was initially expected to bring prosperity to the locals, caused severe environmental damage during the time of the New Order regime.

The locals have been able to make their voices heard only since the start of the reform era. If Jacob had ever smelled the foul odor from the plant, I am sure he would have said something different in his address.

Some Bataks commented: "How much money has he received to deliver such an address and to warn local clerics and religious leaders against inciting the locals to shut down the plant? The religious leaders there were only voicing what is right. That's all! So, why have they been accused of inciting people?.

The government maintain that the IIU has a new paradigm. My next question is: Has the government forgotten about the physical losses suffered by the locals?. The people demand that IIU be punished according to the law. Afterwards, new paradigms can be brought to the negotiating table.

Violent acts such as the police arresting and assaulting protesters show the unwillingness of the Megawati administration to protect the people.

ELIAKIM SITORUS, Jakarta