Poultry firms blamed for polluting river
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.