Sarwono laments lack of environmental concern

JAKARTA (JP): Even as developed countries' businesses begin to apply stricter environmental protection standards, Indonesian businessmen continue to ignore environmental protection measures, State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said yesterday.

Addressing the graduation ceremony of the Prasetiya Mulya School of Management yesterday, Sarwono lashed out at local businesses who neglected the importance of incorporating environmental protection measures into their policies.

He pointed out how, for the past three years, businesses in developed countries have been joining the "Zero Emission Movement" led by the Tokyo-based Zero Emissions Research Institute (ZERI), and have been campaigning for zero-pollution industries.

In Indonesia, on the other hand, businessmen not only polluted the environment, wasted energy and materials, and depressed labor wages, they also colluded with people with perceived power to mask their violations, Sarwono charged.

"The public's tolerance of industrial pollution is growing thin on account of most people's increased environmental consciousness ... Besides, consumers and related industries abroad demand good environmental protection before they are willing to conduct business transactions," he said.

Sarwono pointed out how in 1995, 300 local businessmen participated in a lecture by Dr. Gunter Pauli of ZERI about how reducing industrial pollution is actually a good business decision. "Out of the 300 participating businesses leaders, only two have followed up (with environmental management measures)," he said.

Sarwono revealed that during ZERI's recent third congress in the United States, where 200 senior managers from leading companies in the U.S., Japan and European countries had gathered, only one Indonesian businessman was present.

"I was reluctant to invite Indonesian businessmen to take part in the congress, because I knew that most of them were not interested in new developments, and only followed officials on overseas trips as a form of recreation," Sarwono said.

"I strongly believe that ZERI's campaign should not be ignored ... and that the `steam explosion' technology (which will enable industries to achieve a zero level of pollution) it is developing can work," he said.

He said ZERI has decided to hold its next congress in Indonesia.

Sarwono also reminded local businesses that the government- sponsored "gold" rating for environmentally responsible companies will be given only with a "clearance" from ZERI.

Sarwono also said integrating environmental measures into business policies not only increases companies' competitiveness in a market increasingly dominated by the green consumerism campaign, but also enables them to implement international conventions on environmental protection.

The government announced in October a list of the domestic companies that cause the most river pollution. The worst river offenders include two tanneries, two paper and pulp producers, one rubber factory and one sugar mill.

No company in the country has ever received the best category of "gold", which is reserved for those with zero pollution. (swe)