Environmental degradation threatens C.Java regions

Suherdjoko ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Semarang   |  Wed, 07/02/2008 10:53 AM  |  The Archipelago

The operation of eight textile factories in Pekalongan, Semarang, Surakarta and Sukoharjo threatens the local environment, the head of the Central Java Environmental Impact Management Agency, Djoko Sutrisno, said Monday.

"The four regencies are the center of the textile industry, which causes grave environmental damage. To prevent further damage, the agency will oversee operations at the eight textile factories," Djoko said.

He said the agency had urged the eight factories to improve their waste management systems.

"We gave them 90 days to fulfill our requirement. We will extend the deadline if we see that they have goodwill," he said.

He said the agency had supervised 17 factories in 2007 because they failed to manage their waste properly.

None of the 17 factories were fined.

The agency also supervised 17 other factories in Karanganyar in 2004. The agency found most of the factories had not put in place proper waste-processing systems.

The agency has trained 50 people, 37 from textile factories and manufacturers in Central Java, to serve as eco-friendly managers, in a move to prevent environmental degradation.

"We hope the managers who have taken the training will manage their factories based on environmentally friendly procedures that can control pollution," Djoko said.

He said the managers would be held responsible for any pollution caused by their factories in the future.

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