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)