No Ayer quarrying permits issued

JAKARTA (JP): The city administration says it has never issued any permits allowing sand quarrying near Pulau Ayer, one of the islets in the Thousand Islands chain in Jakarta Bay.

"As far as I know, my office has never given either recommendations or permits to any company or authority to undertake sand quarrying activities near the island," North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito said yesterday.

He made the remarks in response to reports that sand quarrying activities were taking place on the island. Several islands have disappeared due to massive sand quarrying activities in the island chain.

"I will check with my officials in the Thousand Islands to make sure what has really happened there," he said, adding that if the report turned out to be true, he would conduct a full investigation and punish the guilty parties under existing laws.

Pulau Ayer is part of Panggang subdistrict in North Jakarta. Situated near Marina Ancol, the 10-hectare island is one of the most famous of Jakarta's island resorts, complete with restaurants, cottages and sports facilities.

Suprawito reiterated that his office would never hesitate to take stern action against illegal sand quarrying.

"We have sent warning notices to companies found quarrying outside their permitted areas, and some which were quarrying without permits.

Many companies have broken their agreements by straying from the sand quarrying areas set by the city, he said.

Suprawito declined to name the companies, or say how many had been warned. (07)