Coal terminal in Barito, Kalimantan causes heavy pollution
Thursday, September 28 2000 - 04:00 AM WIB
The coal terminal operated by PT Indonesia Bulk Terminal in Barito, Kalimantan has caused a heavy pollution to nearby Mekar Putih and Gosong villages, Barito Pos reported on Thursday.
The daily said that about 500 people living in the villages could no longer enjoy a fresh air since the operation of the coal terminal five years ago as the thick dust coming from thousands of tons of coal transported through the terminal daily not only polluted the air but also contaminated the roofs of their houses and even their living rooms.
"The dusk coming from the terminal have contaminated our wells, cooking wares, clothes and every thing we have," one resident said. "Large trees in the villages are no longer able to protect the dust from the coal terminal," he added.
He said that the polluted air has become the daily menu of the villagers, and those who were born after the operation of the terminal could not enjoy the clean and fresh all their lives,
The residents said they had for several times complained about the pollution to the terminal operator but the company did not make any positive response. The company once promised to build several water fountains to reduce the coal pollution. "But unfortunately, the promise is just promise and the company has never realized its plan," he added.
Rahmatillah Komaruddin has asked the terminal operator and the local government to do something to help the villagers. "They must be helped because if the government continues to ignore their complaint and pays no attention, the terminal in the long term will not only contaminate the air but also the lives of the people," he added. (*)