Walhi urges govt to sue Pindo Deli for polluting

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)