Biopore plan soiled by cement

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 05/05/2008 11:24 AM  |  City

A training program on making biopores at home in Tanjung Duren subdistrict, West Jakarta, failed to meet its target as a lot of soil in the area was covered with cement.

Public relations officer of Mal Ciputra, Rida Kusrida, who participated in the program, said only 200 biopores were created despite a target of 500. This was because a lot of land in the neighborhood, including backyards, public space and roadside areas, was covered with cement.

"In some cases, we even found layers of cement under the soil," she told The Jakarta Post.

The mall's management, along with Green Radio, Jakarta Green Monster and the Jakarta Environmental Management Board, held the program to encourage participation in anticipating annual flooding in the city.

Biopores are made by putting organic waste into soil. Insects and worms then create micropores around the waste, improving the soil's water absorption.

To make biopores, a T-shaped iron bore is used to create a one-meter-deep hole in the ground with a 10 to 30-centimeter diameter. The holes invite insects and worms to degrade the organic waste.

They can create additional tunnels from the biopores, allowing more rainwater to be absorbed. The method not only saves water, but also nourishes plants.

Rida said the program organizers also distributed 150 seedlings to residents. Most of the seedlings were for jackfruit and suren (Filipino cedar) from Mekarsari Fruit Park in Bogor.

Green Radio's program coordinator Nita Roshita, however, said biopores were only a small step in preventing floods.

"To permanently eliminate the threat of flooding, the city administration needs to create a better water management system," she said, adding the project was the station's fourth campaign session for biopores in the city.

Rida said Mal Ciputra would carry out the same event on May 10 in Suropati Park, Central Jakarta.

"And on May 17, we will hold free emission checks for cars that come to the mall," she said. (uwi)

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