'Tofu producers should move'

JAKARTA (JP): Around 80 tofu makers currently operating in several districts in the Bogor regency should be relocated to one place for better control of waste disposal, an expert said.

Abdul Basith, who specializes in industrial technology at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, said Friday tofu makers usually empty their waste in the nearest gutter or river, without prior treatment.

Basith said tofu waste does not only smell bad, it also causes skin rashes.

He suggested relocating the entrepreneurs close to a river, where a waste treatment facility should be provided for them.

"It would be like a rice mill, which can be used by everyone," he said.

Basith also said the tofu makers are violating local rules on land use.

"If an area is designed for housing, everything that pollutes the area should be moved elsewhere," Basith said.

Basith said the new system would improve the tofu industry, because joint waste management would reduce costs and protect the environment.

For this purpose, Basith suggested a 3.5-hectare plot in Pagelaran, Ciomas district, where the land is large enough for a joint waste treatment facility.

However, the administration's public relations officer, Denny M. Moechri, said he doubted the suggested relocation with joint management could improve the tofu businesses.

Denny confirmed the waste was disturbing, but said he thought the business owners were "not mentally ready" to take part in a joint management system.

"I'm worried they might even lose their businesses," Denny said.

The small traders, who Denny said lack formal education, should at least be trained in accounting before setting up a joint management system.

Denny called for more study of the suggestion. (02/24)