Residents question sand quarrying

Residents question sand quarrying

Residents of the Seribu Islands district, a group of islands north of Jakarta Bay, voiced their concern over illegal, uncontrolled sand quarrying on several islands.

These protests arose from concerns following the sinking of four islands through aggressive sand quarrying and coral digging activities in their waters.

H. Hisbullah, the secretary of the district administration, appraised the city councilors of the situation. The councilors were visiting the island on Thursday.

"The city administration should tighten procedures in giving permits for sand quarrying in order to protect the environment in the Seribu Islands," said Hisbullah, adding that many residents of the islands had long questioned the illegal sand quarrying.

He pointed out that local people and workers, employed by owners of the islands, had been quarrying sand and coral reefs day and night to get material to be used for construction works.

"In the long run, it will totally destroy the environment here," Hisbullah said.(09)