Lakes in critical condition

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Three major lakes in the hinterland of Kutai are now in critical condition due to erosion along their beaches, Antara reported yesterday.

Head of the province's environmental bureau H. Mulyadi said the condition of the 15,000 hectare Jempang Lake, the 13,000 hectare Semayang Lake, and 11,000 hectare Malintang Lake is alarming. The three lakes, which have become shallower over the past several years, are the habitat of the pesut, a water mammal facing extinction for which the province is famous.

"There haven't been any studies on why the lakes have become so shallow...some people say it's because water catchment spots in the area have been destroyed, others say it's mud sediment silting up the lakes," Mulyadi said.

He called on official agencies and universities to conduct studies on the lakes. "The provincial administration wouldn't be able to do it alone, because it has only limited funds," he said. (swe)