Pamulang seeks foreign aid to conserve lake
Pamulang seeks foreign aid to conserve lake
Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang
After receiving an award for environmental management from the
Tangerang regency administration recently, the Committee for the
Conservation of Situ Tujuh Muara Pamulang (Kompas) is preparing a
proposal to obtain foreign aid to finance the rehabilitation of
the lake.
"We will be asking for donations from Australia, Japan and
Norway, which we know are concerned about environmental
conservation," Kompas secretary general Joemani said on
Wednesday.
He explained that the funds would be used to dredge the lake
and to clear the banks of illegal buildings while removing water
weeds that cover the lake's surface.
The lake itself would be developed as a water recreation site,
he said.
"If the lake is managed optimally, it will contribute more
revenue to the region and it will open wide opportunity for local
residents to run various businesses," Joemani added.
Kompas initiated a program to clean the lake from garbage
dumped by locals, mobilizing dozens of young people, villagers
and district officials to join hands on June 4 and 5.
The movement was part of the commemoration of World
Environment Day, that fell on June 5.
"We want people to be aware of the need to conserve the lake
as their water source," Joemani said.
Pamulang district of Tangerang directly borders with Jakarta,
and it has developed into a housing area since the late 1980s.
Kompas also plans to hold a Tujuh Muara Festival to
commemorate the country's Independence Day on Aug. 17. The
festival will feature various competitions and entertainment,
Joemani said.
However, not all lake conservation programs in the regency are
running well.
Councillors fumed over reports that agencies under the
regental administration ignored the ongoing reclamation of Situ
Cilongok in Sukamantri village, Pasar Kemis district.
Kurtubi Su'ud of the Council's Commission D that oversees
environmental issues condemned the Environmental Impact
Management Agency, Spatial and Building Layout Agency, Public
Order Agency, and Public Works and Irrigation Agency, who failed
to stop the conversion of the lake into a housing complex.
"We want these agencies to halt the reclamation project, seal
the location and rehabilitate the lake immediately," he said,
adding that the councillors would also seek clarifications from
the local administrations.
"If the developer has the audacity to resume a state asset,
which has long functioned as the area's water catchment, I
suspect there is something fishy going on between the company and
the officials," he added.
Last year, another housing developer reclaimed a lake in Dadap
village, Pamulang.
The reclamation work also sparked protests from local
residents and environmentalists, but these ultimately fell on
deaf ears.