Walhi urges govt to sue Pindo Deli for polluting

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) urged the government yesterday to prosecute a paper manufacturer in Karawang, West Java, which it says is deliberately discharged untreated waste into the Citarum river.

Walhi claimed that the company, PT Pindo Deli, had deliberately discharged the waste for a fortnight, earlier this month, while it was repairing its waste water treatment facilities.

Reports received by Walhi suggested that dozens of villagers in Karawang who used the Citarum water had developed skin rashes after using the water for washing and bathing.

"This is an environmental crime," Walhi said in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by The Jakarta Post.

"The government should take firm action against the company because, if it doesn't, this incident will set a bad precedent regarding the integrity of the environmental laws," the statement continued.

The Karawang regency administration first warned the local people against using the water on July 1, after PT Pindo Deli announced that it was repairing its waste water treatment equipment.

Two weeks later, the people were informed by the administration that it was once again safe to use the river water for washing and bathing, but not for drinking.

In spite of the official assurances, the villagers remain afraid to use the water, according to Walhi.

"Dumping waste cannot be justified on the basis that waste treatment equipment is being repaired," Walhi said, adding.

"It is totally unacceptable that such repairs, which are meant to prevent pollution, became the cause of serious pollution," the statement said.

Walhi said the company should have sought a safe alternative to dumping its waste completely untreated. (anr)