Residents upset by riverbank work

TANGERANG: Residents of Neglasari district here accused a private firm of destroying the embankments along the Cisadane River, putting the area at risk of flooding.

"The three-meter-high river embankments have disappeared, dug up by several people employed by wood processing factory PT KIAT in Kedaung Baru subdistrict," Asnali, chairman of the Neglasari Community Empowerment Body, told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

The water level of the Cisadane River is now at the same level as the nearby residential areas, he said, adding that the river often overflowed its banks.

"We hope the Tangerang administration will take stern measures against the company," he said.

Tangerang Mayor Wahidin Halim promised to punish the company if it was responsible for damaging the river. "I have ordered my public order officers to look into the company."

However, the head of the public order agency, Edwan Firmansyah, said the case should be handled by the environmental agency. -- JP