Rosy environmental audit of Freeport elicits skepticism
Rosy environmental audit of Freeport elicits skepticism
BANDUNG (JP): The environmental audit conducted by Montgomery
Watson Indonesia (MWI) on PT Freeport Indonesia's activities in
Irian Jaya is academically questionable, a Padjadjaran University
researcher said here on Tuesday.
Oekon S. Abdoellah, head of the university Center for Natural
Resources and Environment Research, said that MWI did not have
supporting data to praise Freeport's environmental protection
program.
"MWI concludes the activities are all good, but without
supporting data. Some are even totally different from what
happened on site," Oekon said during a discussion about Freeport
at the Kedaton Hotel in Bandung, West Java.
The event, sponsored by the State Ministry for Environment,
involved environmental experts, including Emil Salim.
Montgomery said Freeport was compliant with the existing
environmental laws and regulations.
"In general, MWI says that Freeport has consistently
implemented all policies on reclamation and protection of flora
and fauna in the Lorenzt National Park. But there is no
information on the results of the implementation," he said.
The audit reports pertaining to the reclamation along the
river and beach where Freeport disposed of 230 tons of waste
daily were not comprehensive, he added.
The MWI report did not explain the management of areas
affected by the tailings, such as estuaries and mangrove forests,
said Oekon.
"Clarification is also needed on the waste handling by
Freeport. In one section MWI said that the reclamation on Ajkwa
riverside would not be conducted until the mining activities were
halted in 2004.
"But, in another section, MWI said that Freeport was committed
to reclaiming the Ajkwa riverside gradually, without waiting for
the end of the mining activities," he said.
The Secretary to the State Minister of Environment, Sudarsono,
reiterated that the ministry would not hesitate to hand down
legal and administrative punishment to Freeport if the gold and
copper mining company was found guilty of violations.
"We will take stern measures if Freeport violates Law No.
23/1997 on environment and Law No. 39/1999 on human right, that
stipulates that every citizen has the right to proper housing and
life," he said.
"Are the people living close to the mines run by Freeport
disturbed by the mining activities? The ministry will not only
review the environmental aspects, but also how far the mining
company respects local values," Sudarsono said.
He admitted Freeport's track record in investment was good
with the central government.
"But, I don't know if the company has also responded the law
No. 25/1999 on regional autonomy, which stipulates that 80
percent of forest and mining royalties must go to the province."
(25/sur)