Stop environmentally risky projects: House

JAKARTA: The House of Representatives Commission VIII for environmental, science and technology affairs urged the government on Thursday to review and halt projects that could pose a threat to the environment.

After a hearing with State Minister of the Environment Rachmat Witoelar, the commission said projects such as the Ladia Galaska highway in Aceh and the reclamation of coastal areas in northern Java needed reviewing because of their incomplete environmental impact assessment, which is required by the government for approving the projects.

The Ladia Galaska highway raised controversy because it cuts through Aceh's natural forests, while the reclamation project has a potential to disrupt natural resources and clean water in the area. -- JP