Stop environmentally risky projects: House

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