Sonny to continue to involve NGOs despite protests

State Minister for Environment Sonny Keraf said that he would continue to involve non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in dealing with environmental problems at the country?s mining companies.

Speaking in a hearing the House of Representatives on Wednesday, the minister said that independent data provided by NGOs was needed to balance the results of the internal survey carried out by a mining company.

?We can not underestimate the data provided by NGOs. They are needed to balance those provided by the mining companies,? he was quoted as saying by Media Indonesia.

Tunggul Sirait, the head of the House Comission VII?s sub committee for environmental affairs supported Sonny?s statement. He, however, warned that the government should be very selective because using misleading information could cause disadvantage to mining companies.

?The government is required to be more selective in using the data provided by NGOs,? he added.

Tunggul also supported the firm action taken by Sonny?s office in dealing with the environnmental problems such as those taking place in Freeport, Newmont and Inti Indorayon.(*)