Walhi rejects electricity plan

PALU, Central Sulawesi: The local chapter of the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) rejected a plan to develop a water- powered electricity generator, fearing it would cause environmental damage to the Lore Lindu National Park.

"Walhi rejects the development of PLTA PLN III or PLTA Gumbasa since it would stand on national park land," the chapter's executive director, Harley, said on Sunday.

The local administration planned the project in a bid to cater for electricity demand in the province. But Harley said he could not accept any reason to harm the environment and ecosystem of the park.

Meanwhile, the Central Sulawesi administration spokesman, Longki Djanggola, played down Walhi's suspicion, saying that the generator would be built outside the park.

"The generator's turbine will be placed some nine kilometers away from the national park," he said. He admitted, however, that the generator would need water supply from the park. (jun)