Sand quarrying on Onrust

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday he wanted reports on the illegal sand quarrying on Onrust island, one of the Seribu Islands.

He said he would ask the city's mining agency to find out if recent reports on the illegal activities were true.

Republika morning daily quoted a City councilor saying illegal sand quarrying endangered the island.

Atje Mulyadi, chairman of Commission E for public welfare, said after visiting the island last week that the illegal sand quarrying had been happening for some time.

Quoting local officials, Atje said the sand was shipped out in all sized vessels.

Environmentally, the island is now in poor condition with serious erosion and sea water intrusion, he said.

Onrust Island is well-known for its historical buildings, which were built in 1656. (ste/sur)