Govt investigates the source of oil spills in Kep. Seribu

The office of the state minister for environmental affairs is investigating the source of oil spills which have caused a serious pollution in many parts of the around around Kepulauan Seribu island in northern Jakarta. Koran Tempo reported on Thursday.

"The result of the investigation will be announced in two weeks," said Zainal Abidin, one of the investigation team member.

Clots of crude oil have been found floating in the sea in northern part of Jakarta, causing a serious pollution to at least 20 isles in the Kepulauan Seribu. The officials from the environmental office believe that the oil spills came from offshore oil fields located near the polluted area or from passing oil tankers.

Two international oil companies CNOOC of China and BP Indonesia operate oil fields in eastern and northern part of the Kepulauan Seribu. Besides from the oil fields operated by the companies, the oil spill might also come from oil tankers passing the area.

Some 20 local residents hired by CNOOC on Wednesday were seen cleaning the area, using four fishing boats.

The finding of crude oil spills in the area is not the first time. Bigger oil spills had been found in the location in the past, causing much more serious pollution. (*)