Walhi urges Env. Ministry to halt the construction of G-Resources' waste pipe

By Hiski Darmayana

The Indonesian Forum for Environment (WALHI) has urged the Indonesian Ministry of Environment to issue a decision letter instructing to halt the construction of waste pipe system leading to Batang Toru river in North Sumatra which is being initiated by gold miner PT Agincourt on behalf of G-Resources. The waste water is feared to disrupt the ecosystem and the ministry is expected to take immediate precautionary measures.

?If it's not done then it would prove that the ministry only cares about foreign investment and puts aside the people's constitutional rights for healthy environment," said WALHI Campaign Manager Pius Ginting in a statement.

Mine Advocate Network (JATAM) expresses similar view, adding that the ministry has its rights in accordance with Law 32/2009 Article 73, regarding Protection and Management of the Environment. "The law allows the ministry to conduct strict supervision on actions conducted by business entities which activities were covered by environmental permits issued by the regional government if serious breach against environment protection regulation is considered to have taken place," JATAM Campaigner Hendrik Siregar said.

The people surrounding the Batang Toru river have stated their concern and protested the construction of the pipe as the river being one of the key sources of livelihood for the people who draw their drinking water from it and grow their fishes there.

G Resources stated that the waste water to be flown into the river would have met the International environmental standard before being dispatched

Editing by Er Audy Zandri