On Bantar Gebang dump

On Bantar Gebang dump

From Media Indonesia

After reading articles on waste in several papers, I am beginning to realize that waste is not something to be trifled with. As a matter of fact, waste is not just stinking garbage but is also something of value, capable of providing many people with a source of income and at the same time of creating a maze of problems.

The towns around Jakarta should become the city's buffer zones because the capital's prestige and authority have positive effects on the development of the suburbs.

Various papers in the city have reported that Bantar Gebang has become an inseparable part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that remains effective until 2003. However, I am very surprised that all of a sudden Bekasi's administration has ordered that its dump be closed. This is a breach of the agreement!

Waste is not only the city's problem but also our national problem. The treatment of waste can affect Indonesia's international image, as Jakarta is a metropolitan city where there are foreigners, international companies and embassies.

Instead of providing a solution, the closure of the dump will only breed other problems. And to make matters worse, the Bekasi administration has appealed that the 50-hectare plot be submitted to them for their own benefit.

It's a bit rich when they argued the closure was meant for the sake of their residents.

Jakarta's administration have shown their wisdom and maturity in their efforts to seek a solution to the problem: Bring the case to court and let the Supreme Court give its verdict.

There are some points that need to be taken into consideration before the Bekasi administration can close the dumping site. They should not assume that all waste dumped there belongs to Jakartans but part of it is theirs. And, do they also realize that the waste there could also be considered another blessing for scavengers?

I would like to appeal to Bekasi's administration to use their common sense, so that they will be able to settle the dispute amicably.

MULYANA

Bekasi, West Java