Poultry firms blamed for polluting river

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang

Dozens of residents living along Cimanceuri river in Cibadak village, Cikupa district, Tangerang, complained on Friday about pollution in the river.

They said they were no longer able to use the water in the river for bathing and washing since two chicken slaughterhouses, PT Ciomas Adi Satwa and PT Jafpa OSI, began operating in the area 10 years ago.

"Before the companies opened their businesses here, we could use the water for washing and bathing. But since the companies began operating here, the water has turned dirty and very smelly," Sani, one of the residents, said.

A number of residents who have used water from the river have complained of skin rashes, he added.

"If you don't believe us, take a sample of the river water for evidence. The water is really polluted."

Both companies supply chickens to fast-food restaurant chains McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Popeyes.

The deputy chairman of the Cibadak Village Representative Body, Edy Haryatno, said members of the body would hold a meeting soon to discuss the problem.

Security guards prevented journalists from entering the compounds of the two companies to speak with management.

"If you want an interview you must first make an appointment and send a letter of request," one of the security guards, M. Saleh, said on Friday, adding that all of the executives of the company were in Jakarta for a meeting.

A source at the Tangerang regency's environmental agency said the companies did not meet the standards for proper waste treatment facilities.

"Since the companies' waste treatment facilities do not function properly, it is likely that they are disposing of their waste in the river. Where else they would put the waste?" said the source.

He said the agency would test the company's water treatment facilities and the water of the Cimanceuri river shortly.

If the pollution allegations are true, the agency will sanction the companies, he said.