Toba activists respond to business concerns

Toba activists respond to business concerns

JAKARTA (JP): The business community should accept the need
for industries to be environmentally friendly, an executive of a
foundation focusing on Lake Toba in North Sumatra said.

Midian Sirait from the Foundation of Lovers of Lake Toba was
responding on Tuesday to concerns the temporary closure of the
pulp and rayon mill, PT Inti Indorayon Utama, in Porsea, North
Sumatra, could affect foreign investment confidence.

On Monday, the Jakarta Stock Exchange suspended trading
company shares, following President B.J. Habibie's order to
interrupt operations.

An independent audit team, comprising environmental and health
experts, will evaluate the impact of Indorayan's operations on
the local environment.

"In the short run, businesses may be affected," Midian told
The Jakarta Post.

"But we have been informed that people in the United States
and Europe consider it a good thing to have industries closed
down if the surroundings are harmed."

The foundation, set up in 1995, has prominent members,
including North Sumatra Governor T. Rizal Nurdin. It's mission is
to rehabilitate damaged environment around Lake Toba, a favorite
tourist destination.

Calls for the closure of Indorayon involved violent clashes
between locals and employees. The latter claimed their jobs were
threatened, while residents complained that the mill was an
environmental health hazard.

Midian said the Indorayon case was only one of many foundation
concerns.

"We have also educated residents and hotels against throwing
unprocessed waste into the lake," he said, adding that the Batak
ethnic group no longer adhere to traditional prohibitions on
throwing waste into the lake.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) is also exploring possibilities to
establish Lake Toba as a World Heritage Site.

Given the lake's water reservoir potential "we must preserve
the water catchment area for surrounding forests".

Disappearing forest in the area has also been blamed on the
rayon and pulp producer.

On Monday, analysts said the decision to temporarily close the
plant could backfire on Indonesia's efforts to overcome the
economic crisis.

Environment laws rule against environmental damage but
observers say the ruling is poorly implemented.

Midian said Indorayon and other businesses should relocate, if
necessary, but continue their operations in an environmentally
friendly manner.

"We need to preserve our environment for the sake of the next
generation." (anr)