International ecology standards could hurt RI
International ecology standards could hurt RI
JAKARTA (JP): A legal adviser to the government warned
yesterday that implementing international standards in ecology
laws could lead to dependence on wealthy nations for
environmental technology.
Sunaryati Hartono, who presides over the Ministry of Justice's
Agency for the Development of National Laws, said international
standards are often based on the technological capability of
developed countries.
She argued that these standards are ideals and developing
countries like Indonesia often lack the know-how and ability to
fully comply with them.
"Like it or not, in the end we will have to purchase equipment
from them and this will create dependence," she said in a seminar
on National Environmental Laws in Facing the 21st Century.
The two-day seminar, which began here yesterday, is held by
the Environmental Impact Management Agency.
"I don't like it," she said. "If these international standards
are truly international in nature, then developing countries also
have to participate in defining them."
Environmental standards are becoming contiguous with trade.
Among them is the application of "eco-labeling" which signifies
whether a product was produced using environmentally friendly
procedures, and the ISO 14000 environmental management standard.
In Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmaja's written
statement delivered at the opening of the seminar by his
secretary, Sudarsono, reference was made to complying with ISO
14000.
"Indonesia has begun to prepare various instruments to support
its implementation," Sarwono said, pointing out environmental
audits as an example.
He added that owing to the growing importance given to
environmental issues, it is important to delve and look into
Indonesia's own environmental law and seek ways of improving it.
Obstacles
Sunaryati listed various legal and technical obstacles apart
from the fact that Indonesia is several decades behind in
starting its industrial revolution.
The size and make-up of the country are serious challenges,
she noted. Sunaryati explained that several stages of development
exist simultaneously in Indonesia.
"Our country is living in 20 centuries at once," she said
describing the diverse stages of progress.
She said that despite all these constraints, Indonesia is
forced to make up ground in a short span of time and survive in a
parameter set by those who established themselves over a century
earlier.
"The Indonesian society is like an elementary school child who
is forced to pass a law bar exam," she said.
Sunaryati said a commitment from the government in the field
of law is vital at this point.
She said that due to the focus on economic development in the
past few years, the development of the law has been neglected.
"We need adequate funding," Sunaryati said. (mds)