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.