Environment Minister set to probe Unocal
Monday, March 20 2000 - 04:00 AM WIB
The office of the Ministry of Environment is ready to investigate into the allegations of environmental pollution made by oil and gas firm PT Unocal Indonesia Company in the Tanjung Santan area in East Kalimantan province, according to the Minister Sonny Keraf.
"We'll ask for the report from the East Kalimantan Bapedalda," he said referring to the government environmental watchdog body.
Three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including Jatam and Walhi have previously asked the authority to shut down the operation of Unocal on charges that the company has damaged the local environment for 30 years and the company has been implementing an illegal waste management system.
Unocal have so far denied the allegations. (*)