Kalianda resort to be green: Nirwan
Kalianda resort to be green: Nirwan
KALIANDA, Lampung (JP): The management of a planned 350-
hectare integrated beach resort says it will use environmentally
sound practices as it builds the resort.
PT Krakatau Lampung Tourism Development Corporation's vice
chairman and principal shareholder, Nirwan Dermawan Bakrie, said
Saturday that although he did not know the details of the
completed compulsory environmental impact study, he was sure the
resort project, Kalianda, conformed with national environmental
standards because the government gave the project the go-ahead.
He was responding to concerns that the project, which was
aimed at boosting Lampung's revenue from tourism, could damage
the environment.
A government source, who asked for anonymity, said coral-
covered footpaths would lead to environmental destruction.
"Coral from damaged reefs may be taken, but there is no
guarantee what the next developer will do," he said.
The Oceanology Center of Research and Development under the
National Institute of Sciences, estimates that only seven percent
of Indonesia's coral reefs are in pristine condition.
Most coral reefs in West Indonesian waters are in critical
condition.
The development corporation will help build infrastructure for
the resort project, estimated to cost over Rp 100 billion.
About 195 hectares will be set aside for interested hoteliers
and other parties, while a zoned residential area will be divided
up into plots ranging from 750 to 2,000 square meters.
Nirwan's message in a promotional brochure said: "We will do
our best to be sensitive to the ecology, heritage and aesthetics
of the site."
South Lampung is the home province of Nirwan's family. Bakrie
Group owns 90 percent of shares in the corporation while 10
percent is owned by the provincial government.
International hotels, golf courses and resorts will be built
at the integrated resort area.
At the soft opening ceremony of Kalianda, Governor Poedjono
Pranyoto, also the president commissioner of the corporation,
said the project was environmentally sound.
The corporation is backed by Daedalus Development, a Hong
Kong-based consultancy in integrated resort development. Daedalus
is also developing a similar resort in Lombok.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications
Joop Ave said the project should do everything possible to raise
local people's welfare.
The governor had said Kalianda was one of Lampung's areas
which was prioritized for development.
Nirwan's brother, noted businessman Aburizal Bakrie, said
plans to enable large ships to anchor in Kalianda Bay would also
be designed with care.
"We will find ways to make it safe for the environment,"
Aburizal said. (anr)