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